September 18, 2024 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that a foot chase across multiple lanes of Highway 101 leads to the arrest of a subject who was in possession of 2 firearms and over 5 ounces of narcotics packaged for sales.

On September 16, 2024, about 6:30 P.M., a Monterey County Sheriff Deputy observed a vehicle entering N/B Highway 101 at John Street and nearly caused a collision. The deputy conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle on Highway 101, near Main Street.

The driver, identified as 32-year-old Jose Carlos Garcia of Salinas, admitted to deputies he was in possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. During a search of the vehicle, Garcia fled the scene on foot. During the chase Garcia ran across Highway 101 twice and was ultimately taken into custody just south of Laurel Drive.

After a subsequent search of Garcia’s vehicle, Deputies located two loaded handguns. One of the firearms was confirmed to be reported as stolen. Garcia was discovered to be a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Deputies also located about 2 oz. of suspected cocaine, about 3.4 oz. of suspected methamphetamine, and about 4 grams of suspected heroin, which were packaged for sales.

“Our deputies have taken two more guns off the streets of Monterey County and out of the hands of someone that was prohibited from possessing them. These firearms could have easily been used to harm an innocent person. I am grateful that our deputies were not hurt as they chased after this dangerous individual. Our law enforcement professionals continue to face these types of dangers each time they put on the uniform to protect our communities,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto.

Jose Carlos Garcia was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked for the following charges:

PC 29800(a)(1)- Felon in Possession of a Firearm; HS 11378- Possession for Sales of Methamphetamine; HS 11370.1-Possession of a Controlled Substance with a Loaded Firearm; HS 11351- Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell; PC 496(a)-Possession of Stolen Property; HS 11364- Possession of Paraphernalia; PC 25850(a)- Carrying a Loaded firearm; PC 148(a)(1)- Resisting arrest; VC 22107- Unsafe Lane Change. The bail was set at $75,000.

Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff's Office