Six suspects, including two juveniles, were arrested after a burglary at a cannabis processing facility south of Salinas led to two vehicle pursuits across multiple counties.
Six suspects, including two juveniles, were arrested after a burglary at a cannabis processing facility south of Salinas led to two vehicle pursuits across multiple counties.
Six suspects, including two juveniles, were arrested after a burglary at a cannabis processing facility south of Salinas led to two vehicle pursuits across multiple counties.
Six suspects, including two juveniles, were arrested following a burglary at a cannabis processing facility on Encinal Road in the unincorporated area of Monterey County early Sunday morning.
Investigators said several armed suspects cut through a fence, entered the property, stole processed cannabis, and fled the scene.
“While some of the deputies were in route to the location, they did intercept some vehicles that they believed to be involved,” sheriff’s office spokesperson Andres Rosas said. “The deputies attempted to stop the vehicles, and at that point, two separate vehicle pursuits were initiated by our deputies.”
One pursuit ended in San Benito County when the alleged getaway vehicle crashed, resulting in the arrest of three suspects, including a juvenile. The second pursuit extended to San Francisco, where three more suspects were taken into custody.
In total, four adults and two juveniles from the Oakland area were arrested.
“We have had other incidents in Monterey County where the individuals have been arrested also been from that area,” Rosas said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean they’re all coming from that area, but we do see a slight pattern with people from the East Bay coming down to commit these crimes in our county.”
Authorities said much of the stolen cannabis has been recovered, but they are not ruling out the possibility that additional evidence was discarded along the pursuit routes.
“Our deputies and officers that were involved in this have recovered about 60 pounds of marijuana,” Rosas said. “During the vehicle pursuit, we do know that marijuana was being thrown from the vehicle. The vehicle pursued, and that marijuana does appear to be recovered; however, there is a possibility that something was tossed.”
Firearms linked to the case remain unaccounted for, and investigators believe the weapons may have been discarded during the pursuits. The sheriff’s office is asking the public to report any suspicious items they may find but to avoid touching them.
“The sheriff’s office wants to make clear if you come down to Monterey County and you’re targeting our marijuana processing facilities or any business for that matter, we will find you, we will hold you accountable,” Rosas said. “We’ll work with the District Attorney’s office to make sure that you are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The sheriff’s office is also seeking information about a possible third vehicle involved in the incident and urging anyone with relevant details to come forward.
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