Atwater Man Arrested After Kidnapping and High-Speed Pursuit in Monterey County
MONTEREY, CA – On March 23, 2026, at approximately 7:08 P.M., Monterey Police officers were dispatched to a motel in the 2100 block of North Fremont Avenue following reports of a kidnapping. Witnesses reported that a male suspect had taken a child and struck two pedestrians with a vehicle while departing the scene.
The investigation identified the suspect as 40-year-old Daniel Hutchens of Atwater. Authorities determined that Hutchens’ ex-wife and their two children, aged 4 and 1, were at the motel when Hutchens arrived in a rental car. Hutchens, wearing a face mask, allegedly assaulted his ex-wife, took her watch, and forcibly removed their 4-year-old son from her vehicle. During the incident, a witness attempted to intervene by opening the suspect’s car door. Hutchens reportedly claimed to have a firearm and threatened to shoot before reversing at a high speed. This maneuver resulted in the open car door striking two pedestrians. Both victims were treated for injuries at the scene.
A multi-agency pursuit followed, involving the use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) and drones. Seaside Police located the vehicle, but Hutchens failed to yield, leading officers on a high-speed chase onto Highway 1 North. Speeds exceeded 100 mph, and the suspect reportedly drove the wrong direction near Merritt Street. The vehicle was later found abandoned on Axtell Street in Castroville.
An Amber Alert and reverse 911 calls were issued to the community. At 10:18 P.M., a drone located Hutchens and the child near North Monterey County Middle School. Officers took Hutchens into custody without incident. The child was found without significant physical injuries and was reunited with his mother. Hutchens was booked into Monterey County Jail on charges including kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, domestic violence, felony evasion, and felony child abuse. He is being held without bail.
