KING CITY — A stolen vehicle pursuit that began in King City and continued through South Monterey County ended with the arrest of a 54-year-old driver on Sept. 19, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
At about 5:21 p.m., sheriff’s deputies were alerted to a white Volkswagen hatchback that had been reported stolen earlier that day by the Capitola Police Department.
Automated license plate reader technology provided deputies with the vehicle’s initial location and subsequent updates as it traveled through South Monterey County.
Deputies later spotted the Volkswagen traveling southbound on Highway 101 near the First Street overpass in King City. When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver failed to yield, leading to an 18-mile pursuit at speeds ranging from 50 to 60 mph.
California Highway Patrol was requested to assist, and CHP Helicopter H70 provided aerial support and helped coordinate the response.
CHP ground units attempted to deploy spike strips near San Ardo, but the initial attempt was unsuccessful after the driver followed closely behind a tractor-trailer.
The driver later exited Highway 101 onto Cattlemen Road before entering the northbound Highway 101 onramp. During the pursuit, a deputy attempted a pursuit intervention technique maneuver, making contact with the vehicle. However, the maneuver did not stop the Volkswagen.
The pursuit continued northbound on Highway 101, where CHP officers successfully deployed spike strips, deflating both the front and rear driver-side tires. The vehicle continued for a short distance before slowing and pulling to the right side of the roadway.
Deputies and CHP officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and arrested the driver, identified as Funda Yilmaz, without further incident. No injuries were reported.
“We’re thankful this ended safely. Our deputies, CHP ground units, and the crew of CHP Helicopter H70 all worked together to bring this pursuit to a safe conclusion,” Sheriff Tina Nieto said.
Yilmaz was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked on charges of vehicle theft and evading a peace officer.
