Masked intruders stormed a home in unincorporated Gilroy, held residents at gunpoint, and took off in a victim’s BMW, authorities say. The getaway did not last long. Deputies tracked the stolen car into Morgan Hill, triggering a pursuit that ended only after officers used spike strips and a PIT maneuver. Two people were arrested at the scene, and deputies say they recovered stolen property, a loaded gun, and narcotics. Investigators believe additional suspects are still on the loose.
According to the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office, the masked suspects forced their way into the Gilroy-area residence, pointed a gun at the occupants, and stole personal items along with the BMW. Deputies say they used Flock automated license-plate readers to flag and track the stolen vehicle as it moved through Morgan Hill, where Morgan Hill police picked up the trail and started the pursuit.
How license-plate readers helped track the car
The city runs a network of fixed Flock automated license-plate readers that alert officers when a stolen or wanted vehicle passes through town and store encrypted data for 30 days, according to the City of Morgan Hill. Local coverage has credited the system with dozens of vehicle recoveries and related arrests since it went live, a track record that helps explain why investigators lean on it for fast-moving cases like this one, per ABC7.
Deputies said Morgan Hill officers, with help from CHP Hollister-Gilroy and the Gilroy Police Department, brought the chase to a halt in the Morgan Hill area after laying down spike strips and using a PIT maneuver, then took two people into custody. According to the sheriff’s office, the driver is a convicted felon, and the passenger was carrying a large quantity of methamphetamine. A loaded handgun and other stolen items were also seized, and investigators say they are still working to identify and find additional suspects tied to the home invasion.
Charges and where to send tips
Authorities say the two people arrested face several charges, including robbery, carjacking, and recklessly evading officers, as detectives continue the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department’s tip line or non-emergency dispatch. Those contact details are listed on the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff’s website at the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office.
