September 27, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on September 26, 2025, Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three individuals following a vehicle pursuit that began on Prunedale North Road and ended in Castroville.
At about 2:45 a.m., a deputy conducting a business check at the Prunedale Chevron Gas Station recognized a 2015 white Dodge Dart which was involved in a pursuit a month prior. Additionally, the Dodge Dart had expired registration and was displaying false registration tabs. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop for the expired registration, the driver fled leading deputies on a pursuit into Castroville. Deputies successfully ended the pursuit utilizing The Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver at Cooper and McDougal Streets.
“The safety of our community is always our top priority. Last night, the quick actions of our deputies kept dangerous drugs and a firearm off our streets,” said Sheriff Tina Nieto.
The vehicle’s occupants were identified as 36-year-old Eduardo Garcia from Royal Oaks (driver), 31-year-old Xochitl Elizabeth Lujan from Salinas (front passenger), and 44-year-old Monique Erica Zamora from Watsonville (rear passenger). All three were evaluated for minor complaints of pain and medically cleared.
A search of the vehicle and suspects resulted in the recovery of:
* 213 grams of methamphetamine
* A loaded .38 caliber revolver
* Sales-related paraphernalia including scales and baggies
* 132 grams of methamphetamine concealed on Zamora
* Fentanyl
All three suspects were booked into the Monterey County Jail on the following charges:
Garcia – Felony evading, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, carrying a concealed firearm, DUI on drugs with bodily injury, possession of controlled substances for sales, treatment mandated felony act, expired registration and false tabs.
Zamora – Aiding and abetting, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance for sales.
Lujan – Aiding and abetting, and possession of a controlled substance.
Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
