Morgan Hill Police ram suspect car to stop dangerous pursuit near Safeway

Morgan Hill Police Chief David Swing got a chance to do some in-field work early Tuesday morning as he spotted a driver acting suspiciously on Monterey Road and Vineyard Blvd.

The incident started just after 7:00am when the Chief spotted a 2000 Dodge Durango as it was driving north on Monterey Road, acting suspiciously, so he ran a records check of the license plate and learned it was stolen from Gilroy.

More officers responded to the area to assist the Chief, as The Durango drove into the parking lot of Tennant Station.

The driver did not stop for officers and started to speed off. Officers said they were concerned the driver’s erratic driving in the busy shopping center could put people in danger, so they utilized a Pursuit Intervention Technique as the vehicle approached the alley way between Safeway and The Daily Bagel.

Officers rammed the Durango and it came to a stop as the driver attempted to drive on the walkway near Troy’s Bocce Ball and collided into a concrete pillar.

The driver, Terrance Mauga from Gilroy, was arrested and booked for possession of a stolen vehicle, failure to yield to a police officer, possession of stolen property, possession of a deadly weapon, DUI with injuries and probation violation.

His passenger, Veronica Salgado also from Gilroy, was arrested for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property and having a no bail warrant from Gilroy Police.

The Morgan Hill Police vehicles had minor damage during the incident but no officers were injured.

Anyone with information regarding this case can contact Corporal Scott Purvis at (408) 779-2101 or the anonymous tip line 408.947-STOP (7867).