ALPR Technology and Multi-Agency Coordination Lead to Arrest of Stolen Vehicle Suspect
MONTEREY, CA – A coordinated effort between Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies and the California Highway Patrol resulted in the safe apprehension of a driver following an 18-mile pursuit on Highway 101.
On September 19, 2026, at approximately 5:21 p.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies received an alert regarding a white Volkswagen hatchback that had been reported stolen earlier that day to the Capitola Police Department.
Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology tracked the stolen vehicle as it traveled through South Monterey County. Deputies subsequently located the Volkswagen heading southbound on Highway 101 near the First Street overpass in King City. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield, initiating a pursuit.
The chase spanned roughly 18 miles with speeds between 50 and 60 mph. CHP ground units and CHP Helicopter H70 responded to assist with ground tactics and overhead aerial surveillance. Ground officers initially attempted to deploy spike strips near San Ardo, but the driver managed to avoid them by closely tailgating a semi-truck.
The vehicle exited the freeway onto Cattlemen Road before returning to Highway 101 northbound. During the pursuit, a deputy executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver; however, the vehicle maintained momentum and continued driving. Shortly thereafter, CHP officers successfully deployed spike strips, deflating both driver-side tires. The vehicle gradually slowed and pulled over to the shoulder.
Deputies and CHP officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and took the driver, 54-year-old Funda Yilmaz, into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported.
Yilmaz was transported to the Monterey County Jail and booked on the following charges:
California Vehicle Code 10851: Stolen Vehicle (Felony)
California Vehicle Code 2800.1(a): Evading a Peace Officer (Misdemeanor)
