Hayward man arrested, multiple suspects wanted after Sunglass Hut burglary in Monterey

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Monterey Police are looking for multiple suspects in connection to a Sunglass Hut burglary on March 28, 2024.

Police responded to reports of the organized retail theft in progress around 3:57 p.m. that day, with employees reporting three suspects entered the store wearing mask.

The suspects allegedly stole dozens of pairs of sunglasses before escaping, an estimated loss of about $30,000.

Around 4:30 p.m., and with the help of Automated License Plate Reader technology identifying the suspect's vehicle, police were able to track down the car in Marina.

Marina Police and CSUMB Police performed a traffic stop near the 3000 block of Del Monte Avenue, but while detaining the driver, one of the people in the car jumped in the driver seat and sped away from the area.

At one point, Monterey Police said a bag of sunglasses was thrown out of the vehicle as law enforcement chased the car to Reservation Road and Highway 1 North.

Around 4:53 p.m., the CHP responded to reports of multiple cars involved in a hit-and-run crash along Highway 1 South at State Park Drive. The suspect's vehicle was located and was found to have rear-ended another car.

Witnesses told law enforcement three people exited the vehicle, but after searching weren't located.

The one driver detained was later arrested and identified as 22-year-old Shawn Morita of Hayward. Morita is facing burglary and organized retail theft charges.

Anyone with information about the three suspects in the photo provided is asked to contact Monterey Police.