Stolen marijuana found in Tesla after pursuit ends in Gilroy

GILROY – A 17-year-old boy was arrested and a “large load” of stolen marijuana was recovered following a pursuit from Salinas to Gilroy early Tuesday, authorities said.

The episode kicked off around 1:40 a.m. at a cannabis greenhouse on Potter Road in Salinas, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. A security guard told authorities three to four people were taking bags of marijuana and loading them into two cars.

A short time later, Salinas police officers spotted one of the suspect vehicles, a white Tesla Model 3, traveling northbound on Highway 101 at Laurel Drive, authorities said. The driver did not stop for the officers, who in turn began pursuing the Tesla.

Monterey County sheriff’s deputies joined the chase, as did the California Highway Patrol, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilroy and Morgan Hill police departments.

The pursuit continued into Gilroy, where the Tesla drove into a cul-de-sac and was blocked in by law enforcement, authorities said. The three occupants bolted from the Tesla. Authorities captured one of them, the 17-year-old boy, but the others escaped.

Bags of marijuana were found stuffed into the Tesla’s storage compartments and cabin, according to the sheriff’s office.

The teen was booked into Monterey County Juvenile Hall on charges related to the incident.

As for the second suspect vehicle, described as a gray-colored Honda, it crashed into a ditch near Highway 101 and Gould Road in Monterey County, authorities said.

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information can contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at 831-755-5111. Anonymous tips can also be left at mcso.countyofmonterey.gov.

Check back for updates.