A single-vehicle accident stemming from a suspected kidnapping
in Salinas sent two people to the hospital and stopped traffic in
both directions on Highway 156 between San Juan Bautista and
Hollister around 4 p.m. Friday.
A single-vehicle accident stemming from a suspected kidnapping in Salinas sent two people to the hospital and stopped traffic in both directions on Highway 156 between San Juan Bautista and Hollister around 4 p.m. Friday.
The accident occurred after witnesses described three armed suspects kidnapping one man and driving off in the victim’s gold Mitsubishi sedan at 545 East Alisal St. in Salinas, said Sgt. Dave Murray of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
The suspects, with the victim inside, fled northbound on Highway 101 before Monterey sheriff deputies spotted them. The suspects continued eastbound onto Highway 156, where deputies from Monterey and San Benito counties – and officers from the Salinas Police Department and the California Highway Patrol – tried to pull them over at The Alameda in San Juan Bautista.
Avoiding capture, the suspects drove on the dirt on the side of the highway. Going more than 90 mph, the driver lost control, crossed lanes and flipped the car.
The car finally rested more than 20 yards from the highway.
It sent two people to the hospital, including the victim, and drew the attention of more than 10 police vehicles and two emergency helicopters.
The other two suspects were arrested on scene and complained of no injuries, Murray said.
After the accident, one suspect tried to flee but was quickly apprehended, Murray said. In the vehicle appeared to be a weapon, but at the time the police had not retrieved it.
Authorities did not immediately have identities or details of those involved.
Look back shortly for more. Also, look back for video from the scene.
