September 23, 2026 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on September 19, 2026, at 5:21 P.M. (1721 hours), Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies were alerted to a stolen white Volkswagen hatchback, which had been reported stolen earlier that day from the Capitola Police Department.

“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.

Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology provided deputies with the vehicle’s initial location and subsequent updated location notifications as it traveled through South Monterey County. A short time later, deputies saw the Volkswagen traveling southbound on Highway 101 near the First Street overpass in King City.

Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to yield, prompting an 18-mile pursuit with speeds ranging from 50 to 60 mph. The California Highway Patrol was requested to assist; CHP Helicopter H70 responded overhead to provide aerial support and assist with coordination throughout the pursuit. CHP ground units attempted to deploy spike strips near San Ardo. The initial deployment was unsuccessful after the driver tailgated a tractor-trailer.

The driver later exited Highway 101 onto Cattlemen Road and then entered the northbound Highway 101 on ramp. During the pursuit, a deputy attempted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver. Contact was made with the suspect vehicle, but the maneuver did not stop it. 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 took the driver, Funda Yilmaz (54), into custody without further incident. No deputies, CHP officers, members of the public, or the suspect were injured during the incident.

Yilmaz was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked on the following charges:

10851 CVC, Stolen Vehicle, Felony

2800.1(a) CVC, Evading a Peace Officer, Misdemeanor

Source & photo: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office