What started as an early morning burglary at a Monterey County cannabis facility quickly spiraled into multiple police pursuits stretching across several California counties, ending in crashes, arrests, and an ongoing search for discarded firearms.
Investigators say the suspects were stealing processed cannabis before fleeing in multiple vehicles. Deputies responding to the scene quickly spotted cars they believed were connected to the break-in.
One of those vehicles, a red Honda Accord, allegedly refused to stop when a deputy attempted a traffic stop. Instead, authorities say it took off, leading law enforcement on a pursuit through Monterey County, San Benito County, and eventually Santa Clara County.
The chase ultimately stretched all the way into San Francisco after California Highway Patrol officers took over. It came to an end when the Honda crashed in the city.
Deputies Responded to Early Morning Cannabis Facility Break-in
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called just after 4 am on June 14 to a burglary in progress at a cannabis greenhouse facility on the 26,800 block of Encinal Road. A security guard reported that several armed suspects had cut through a fence and made their way onto the property.
Inside the vehicle that the suspects had been driving, investigators said they found ammunition, burglary tools, and a large amount of cannabis. Two passengers, identified as 25-year-old Damijia Danyel McGee and 22-year-old Charles Terrence Jr. Everetts of Oakland, were taken to San Francisco General Hospital with injuries.
Authorities also arrested a 16-year-old male from Richmond who was allegedly inside the vehicle. He was later booked into Monterey County Juvenile Hall.
McGee reportedly had an outstanding felony no-bail warrant for violating his state parole conditions. Authorities say additional charges tied to the burglary and pursuit will be submitted to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.
One Pursuit Ended in San Francisco, Another Ended in the Brush
At the same time, another pursuit was unfolding involving a gray Hyundai Sonata believed to be connected to the burglary. A Monterey County Sheriff’s Office sergeant attempted to stop the vehicle, but investigators say it also sped off.
Deputies, assisted by the Salinas Police Department, chased the Hyundai as its occupants allegedly tossed bags of cannabis out the windows. The pursuit ended dramatically when the car reportedly lost a wheel and crashed into brush near Highway 101 north of Highway 129 in San Benito County.
Three people inside the Hyundai were arrested without incident. Authorities identified them as 18-year-old Matthew Jamarius Gaston Higgins, 19-year-old Kahleed Johnson, and a 17-year-old male, all from Oakland.
One Vehicle Is Still Missing and So Are the Guns
Investigators said they recovered large bags of cannabis, burglary tools, and other evidence often associated with break-ins. Higgins and Johnson now face multiple felony charges, including robbery, burglary, criminal conspiracy, and reckless evading.
Authorities believe at least one more vehicle was involved in the burglary, though it has not yet been located. Deputies say they are actively following leads to identify the vehicle and anyone connected to it.
Authorities also confirmed firearms were allegedly used during the burglary, though none have been recovered. Investigators believe weapons may have been tossed during the pursuits and are asking anyone who spots a suspicious item not to touch it and call 911 immediately.