Santa Cruz Man Escapes Police Custody, Steals Police Vehicle & Eventually Recaptured

Monterey, CA…On May 11, 2021 at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monterey Police Detectives observed a male and female removing property from a white BMW vehicle parked on Alcalde near North Fremont in Monterey. The vehicle had a stolen plate affixed to it.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., Monterey Police Officers contacted the driver of the vehicle. She refused commands to exit her vehicle and fled from the officers in the vehicle. Monterey Police Officers pursued the vehicle for a short distance and terminated the pursuit once the driver began driving erratic.

Detectives remained in the area and observed the male who was associated with the vehicle leave a nearby motel room. Detectives attempted to stop the male and he ran from detectives. He was caught a short distance away and arrested. The subject was identified as Corey Duncan, 33, of Santa Cruz. He was arrested for resisting arrest, accessory, possession of methamphetamine, identity theft, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

While Duncan was being transported to the Monterey City Jail, he was able to position his handcuffed hands in front of him and escaped from the marked patrol car near Abrego and Fremont. The officer got into a foot pursuit with Duncan and attempted to tackle Duncan. Duncan was able to avoid the officer and ran back to the police car. Duncan stole the police car and drove toward Veteran’s Park. The vehicle was located abandoned near one of the trails at Veteran’s Park. Nothing was stolen from the police car.

The Monterey Police Department received assistance from the California Highway Patrol, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the Pacific Grove Police Department, and the Presidio of Monterey Police Department in setting up a large perimeter around the area Duncan was last seen.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Monterey Police Department requested Monterey High School and Colton Middle School shelter in place. At approximately 1:30 p.m., the Monterey Police Department received information from a citizen that Duncan was in the area of Harrison and Bowen. The perimeter was adjusted to that area and Officers set up to conduct a yard-to-yard search. During this time, a resident reported to officers that a man was on the rooftop of a house. Officers located Duncan hiding on a rooftop. He again ran from officers, but was appended a short distance away.

Duncan was transported to the Monterey City Jail where he was booked on the following charges: Penal Code 148(a)(1) – Resisting Arrest, Penal Code 32 – Accessory, Penal Code 530.5 – Identity Theft, Penal Code 836.6 – Escape California Vehicle Code 10851(a) – Possession of stolen vehicle, Health and Safety Code 11364(a), and Health and Safety Code 11377(a).

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Aaron Delgado at (831) 636-3814 or to remain anonymous, call (831) 646-3840.