Stolen vehicle pursuit ends in arrest after 18-mile chase on Highway 101.

A reportedly stolen Volkswagen hatchback led deputies and California Highway Patrol officers on an 18-mile pursuit through South Monterey County on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 19 before the driver was taken into custody, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

The incident began at approximately 5:21pm on Saturday, when Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to a white Volkswagen reported stolen earlier that day by the Capitola Police Department.

Automated License Plate Reader technology provided deputies with the vehicle’s initial location and continued sending updated alerts as the Volkswagen traveled through South Monterey County.

Deputies later spotted the vehicle traveling southbound on Highway 101 near the First Street overpass in King City and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, triggering a pursuit that covered approximately 18 miles, with speeds reaching between 50-60 mph.

The California Highway Patrol was called in to assist, with CHP Helicopter H70 providing aerial support and helping coordinate the response.

CHP ground units attempted to deploy spike strips near San Ardo, but the first attempt was unsuccessful after the driver followed closely behind a tractor-trailer.

The driver subsequently exited Highway 101 onto Cattlemen Road before entering the northbound Highway 101 on-ramp.

During the pursuit, a Monterey County deputy attempted a Pursuit Intervention Technique maneuver. The deputy made contact with the Volkswagen, but the vehicle continued fleeing.

The pursuit continued northbound on Highway 101 until CHP officers successfully deployed spike strips, deflating both the front and rear tires on the driver's side.

The Volkswagen continued for a short distance before slowing and pulling to the right side of the highway.

Deputies and CHP officers then conducted a high-risk traffic stop and took 54-year-old Funda Yilmaz into custody without further incident.

No deputies, CHP officers, members of the public, or Yilmaz were injured during the pursuit, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.

“We’re thankful this ended safely. Our deputies, CHP ground units, and the crew of CHP Helicopter H70 all worked together to bring this pursuit to a safe conclusion,” Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto said in a statement.

Yilmaz is currently booked at the Monterey County Jail for a felony of a stolen vehicle and a misdemeanor for evading a peace officer.