Highway 68 pursuit ends with crash into Caltrans vehicle

A police chase on Highway 68 ended with the suspect crashing into a Caltrans vehicle.

The short pursuit began Friday, when deputies with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a person brandishing a gun and making threats in the 10200 block of Blue Larkspur Lane in Monterey.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said, “While responding to the home, deputies learned the alleged suspect, 40 year old James Sloop of Marina, had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest.”

As deputies approached the home they noticed a grey BMW leaving. They tried to stop the car but the driver took off.

Shortly after, the driver of the BMW, 23-year-old Bridgett Sampognaro of Monterey, ended up crashing into a Caltrans vehicle along the shoulder of Highway 68.

Sampognaro and the Caltrans employee sustained minor injuries.

A loaded gun and drug paraphernalia were found in the car. Sampognaro had an outstanding warrant for her arrest.

With the help of Del Rey Oaks Police K-9, deputies returned to the residence on Blue Larkspur and were able to take Sloop into custody.

Sloop and Sampognaro were booked into the Monterey County Adult Detention Facility on a variety of charges.