A routine lunchtime delivery in Manteca turned into a full-blown chase on Highway 99 on Wednesday, after police say a woman slipped into a parked Sysco semi, found a spare key, and took off with the truck while the driver was still working. The incident unfolded around noon on the 100 block of Northwoods Avenue, where the Sysco driver was unloading. At some point, a spare key kept inside the trailer disappeared. Before long, officers tracked the missing tractor-trailer heading south on Highway 99 near the Main Street/Ripon exit. Police say the suspect bailed out of the moving rig wearing only a shirt and tried to make a run for it, but a K-9 team quickly brought her down and into custody.
What police say
According to CBS Sacramento, officers identified the suspect as Makayla Ballewansiel. They say the delivery driver jumped from the trailer during the chaos, suffered unknown injuries, and then called 911.
The outlet reports the Sysco-owned truck was parked with the engine off at the time of the delivery and that a spare key was in the driver's backpack inside the semi before it went missing.
Cargo theft has climbed in recent years
However bizarre the details in Manteca, the backdrop is very familiar to people in the freight world: cargo theft is climbing fast. Verisk CargoNet's analysis counted a record 3,625 cargo-theft incidents in 2024, a 27% jump from 2023, and flagged California as one of the states with the biggest increases.
Industry reports say thieves are increasingly targeting trailer burglaries and loads of food and beverages, which can be moved or resold quickly and are harder to trace.
Legal status and next steps
Manteca police told CBS Sacramento that Ballewansiel already had an outstanding Fresno County warrant for burglary and auto theft. Officers added that a K-9 bite helped subdue her during the arrest.
Authorities had not immediately released booking details, and it remained unclear what additional charges she might face connected to the alleged theft of the semi as investigators continue their work.
What drivers and fleets can do
Security advisers say there are some basic, unglamorous habits that can make a real difference: keep keys on your person, lock down spare keys, shorten the time cabs are left unattended, and use tamper-evident seals and GPS tracking where possible. Schneider notes that modern cargo thieves often blend old-school tactics with digital tricks, and that quick reporting plus visible tracking technology can improve the chances of getting a load back. Verisk CargoNet also emphasizes fast coordination with law enforcement, especially for perishable or high-value shipments, to boost recovery odds. The Manteca Police Department lists contact details and public resources on its website as the investigation continues, and it remains the primary point of contact for tips or updates tied to the case.
