GREENFIELD — A traffic stop in Greenfield turned into a pursuit Wednesday afternoon for local officers, with the chase ending safely in the 200 block of 11th Street and the vehicle occupants in handcuffs.
Following the pursuit by Greenfield Police, the driver — 25-year-old Juan Jose Vasquez of Soledad — fled the scene, but officers arrested him after a short foot chase. Vasquez was found to be in possession of a “significant amount” of drugs, suspected to be fentanyl, and a loaded 9mm handgun, police said.
The passenger — 36-year-old Manuel Ramos of Soledad — was also apprehended for resisting arrest and transporting a controlled substance.
Both individuals are now at the Monterey County Jail.
“Our detectives are actively investigating any possible connections between Vasquez, Ramos and the four recent overdoses in our community,” police said.
On Tuesday, Greenfield Police and Fire departments responded to a vehicle accident in the 300 block of Tuscany Way, where a man was suffering from a drug overdose. Thanks to the quick administration of Narcan, officers saved the man’s life.
Over the past 48 hours, police said Wednesday, the departments have responded to four drug overdoses, one of which was fatal.
“These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges posed by drug misuse and its impact on our community,” police said.
The department added, “As we face the opioid pandemic, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers associated with substances like fentanyl. This synthetic opioid is extremely potent and can be lethal even in small amounts. We urge everyone to educate themselves and loved ones about the risks of fentanyl and to seek help if they struggle with substance use.”
In an effort to help save lives, Greenfield Police offers free Narcan — a medication that can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose — to all community members, with no questions asked. Narcan can be picked up at the Greenfield Police Department front desk during regular business hours.
