Drone Unit Assists CHP in Locating Two Subjects That Fled the Scene of Fatal Head-On Vehicle Collision 

April 5, 2026 – Monterey County Sheriff's Office officials report that on the morning of April 4th, 2026, at about 12:47 A.M., California Highway Patrol was investigating a head on collision in the area of Highway 1 and Springfield Road in Moss Landing. Officers advised that the occupant of one of the vehicles had succumbed to their injuries on scene.

According to CHP, witnesses saw two males walking away from the scene. CHP requested assistance in an attempt to locate the subjects. Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies immediately responded and were able to deploy a drone.

Thanks to the effectiveness of the drone’s forward looking infrared (FLIR) capabilities, MCSO Deputies were able to quickly locate two subjects hiding near a pond in the area of Highway 1 and Struve Road. They were able to work with CHP to coordinate a safe approach to the subjects who were safely detained.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Office has identified the decedent in this incident as 22-year-old Bryan Ortiz of Castroville.

The investigation into the vehicle incident is being conducted by the California Highway Patrol.

Source: Monterey County Sheriff's Office