December 27, 2023 - Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that on Christmas afternoon, deputies responded to a report of a theft from a vehicle that had just occurred on the Monterey coast. The victim called 911 and reported that they had tracked their stolen iPhones and wallets to the Crossroads Shopping Center. The victim approached the three suspects about the theft, but the suspects fled in a Chrysler minivan.

The victim provided the minivan license plate to responding deputies, who later located the van on Laureles Grade. Deputies attempted to stop the minivan, but the driver refused to stop and fled from deputies. Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle onto Highway 68 towards Monterey. When they reached Highway 68 and Hwy 218, the suspect vehicle unfortunately crashed into an unrelated vehicle containing one occupant.  At this time the suspect’s minivan was disabled, and three suspects were ultimately placed under arrest by deputies. Medical personnel were immediately requested and provided treatment to two suspects. The civilian reported no injuries.

The minivan was identified as similar to a suspect vehicle of additional recent thefts in other Monterey County jurisdictions, which are still being investigated. The three suspects arrested were 37-year-old Jonathon Conner, 34-year-old Amber Balgua, and 65-year-old Terry Hunt, all of which are residents of Salinas, Ca. 

Jonathon Conner was arrested for the following charges:

CVC 2800.2(a) – Evade a Peace Officer with Wanton Disregard for Safety,

CVC 2800.4 – Evading a Peace Officer Wrong Way Driver,

PC 207(a) - Kidnapping,

PC 182(A)(1) - Conspiracy,

PC 166(c)(4) - Violation of Court Order,

PC 466 - Possession of Burglary Tools,

H%S 11377(a) - Possession of Methamphetamine,

PC 1203.2(a) - Violation of Probation

Amber Balgua was arrested for the following charges:

PC 496(a) – Possession of Stolen Property,

PC 182(A)(1) – Conspiracy

Terry Hunt was arrested for the following charges:

PC 496(a) – Possession of Stolen Property,

PC 182(A)(1) – Conspiracy

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents to not leave any valuables in plain sight and to lock their vehicle doors and windows when parked. In addition, if you have information on where a suspect may be with your stolen property, please do not make contact with the suspect for your safety.  Instead, contact your local law enforcement agency.

Source: Monterey County Sheriff's Office