SOLEDAD — On Jan. 28, at about 7:43 p.m., a Monterey County Sheriff’s Office deputy spotted a vehicle that was driving erratic and unsafe on Highway 101.
A records check revealed the vehicle was taken recently during a carjacking in Gonzales. The deputy followed the vehicle, broadcasting pertinent information until he had sufficient units on scene.
“Once the vehicle reached the town of Chualar, the vehicle began to travel at a high rate of speed,” according to MCSO in a news release. “At this point, a traffic stop was initiated and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Once additional deputies joined the pursuit, a plan was made to set up spike strips.”
Soledad Police Department opted to assist with deploying spike strips, and a PIT maneuver was authorized. The vehicle continued toward the city of Soledad, where Soledad officers successfully deployed spike strips.
The vehicle then took the North Front Street exit off ramp and a successful PIT maneuver was conducted.
“Once the vehicle came to a stop, deputies attempted to detain the driver, at which point the driver began to accelerate, nearly striking one deputy,” stated MCSO. “The vehicle ran into a patrol vehicle and came to a complete stop.”
There were three males, all juveniles, in the vehicle.
One of the suspects involved in the carjacking and other involved felonies who was seated in the rear right passenger seat fled from the vehicle. A Sheriff’s K9 team pursued the suspect, provided numerous announcements to stop, but the suspect did not comply.
The K9 was deployed and conducted a successful apprehension. The suspect suffered minor injuries and was treated on scene, as well as at a local hospital for follow-up and clearance, before being transported to Juvenile Hall.
The two remaining males in the car were arrested without incident.
All three suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall and charged with felony evading and carjacking (pending further follow-up by Gonzales Police Department). One of the juveniles was charged with assault with deadly weapon on a peace officer.
