MONTEREY, CA — A 24-year-old man was taken into custody Sunday afternoon after fleeing from law enforcement officers and jumping into Lake Estero.
At approximately 4:37 p.m. on August 30, 2026, Monterey Police Department officers responded to reports of a suspicious individual in the area of Third Street and Camino Aguajito. Callers informed dispatchers that a disoriented male was climbing on top of trash receptacles, and one caller reported that the individual was following her as she walked away.
Officers located the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Seaside resident Brian Cardenas, near Pearl Street and Camino El Estero. When officers attempted to make contact, Cardenas fled and leaped into Lake El Estero. Responding officers established a perimeter around the body of water, prompting Cardenas to swim back to shore and surrender.
Following his apprehension, officers observed indicators that Cardenas was under the influence of narcotics and recovered drug paraphernalia in his possession.
Cardenas was transported and booked into the Monterey County Jail on charges of obstructing a peace officer (148 PC), being under the influence of a controlled substance (11550 HS), possession of drug paraphernalia (11364 HS), and probation violation (1203.2 PC).
According to public records, Cardenas has an extensive arrest history in Monterey County dating back to 2020. His prior law enforcement contacts involve offenses such as theft, property crimes, drug offenses, probation violations, and more.
