Pebble Beach multi-agency search leads to gun, drug arrest

It was a typical, quiet day in Pebble Beach, Wednesday. According to resident, Max Platzer, that all changed when law enforcement and a SWAT team packed the street outside his house.

“We heard the loud speaker asking that the occupants of the house should come out with their hands up,” said Platzer.

Platzer said he and his wife stayed indoors. They were unsure of what was happening just yards away. “Then we heard two shots. I think they wanted to tell the occupants that it was time to come out,” said Platzer.

Officers were calling on 30-year-old Thomas Hopkins. The Violence Suppression Task Force, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and the California High Patrol were there to search his home on the 3000 block of Hermitage Road. Inside they found drugs and three firearms. One was loaded.

Hopkins is facing two felony charges. He was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail.

Zach Dunagan, officer with Salinas Police and the Violence Suppression Task Force, said the weapons are believed to be stolen and unreported. “Based on our investigation, we believe the three specific firearms were stolen somewhere in Monterey County. However, there were other items located in the house from a Monterey County Sheriff’s Office burglary investigation,” said Dunagan.

Law enforcement officials are asking people to come forward if they have any information about the firearms.

Residents said they are just thankful the potential threat has left the neighborhood. “I hope this is a lesson for the younger people, but as I said, we would not have expected it at all,” said Platzer.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Dunagan at 831-758-7374 or zachary.dunagan@ci.salinas.ca.us.