LOS BANOS, Calif. — On May 1, 2020, a CHP Officer and K9 Beny, observed three Sport Utility Vehicles that appeared to be traveling together. The officer observed traffic violations and attempted to make an enforcement stop on one of the vehicles, a black 2020 Chevrolet Suburban. The Chevrolet Suburban failed to yield to the patrol vehicles lights and sirens and the pursuit was on. As the officer attempted to pursuit the Chevrolet Suburban one of the other SUV’s, a black Ford Expedition, attempted to block the officer, straddling the lanes. The officer was able to out maneuver the Ford Expedition and continued to pursue the Chevrolet Suburban.
At one point during the pursuit, the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban stopped on the right shoulder, exited the vehicle and dropped two cardboard boxes off before returning to the vehicle and continuing to flee. The Ford Expedition changed directions during the pursuit and was not seen or located. Shortly after dropping the boxes on the shoulder, the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban stopped his vehicle and surrendered.
While taking the driver into custody, the officer noticed the third SUV, a black 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe, stopped in traffic. The officers stopped the Chevrolet Tahoe and took both drivers into custody. During the incident, Merced Communications Center received several 911 calls regarding the cardboard boxes that were dropped off on the shoulder. Officers retrieved the cardboard boxes and located U.S. currency estimated to be $915,000. Officers also discovered walkie talkies in the suspect vehicles and later learned the three drivers were using them to communicate during the pursuit. K9 Beny subsequently alerted to the odor of narcotics on the currency and it was later discovered the suspects were traveling to northern California to purchase marijuana. The suspects were arrested, and felony charges are pending.
