Nearly $1MILLION in cash is dumped on California freeway during police chase as New York suspects say they were planning to use it to buy marijuana
- Frank Capraro, 23, and Desmond McDay, 25, were taken into custody Friday and felony charges are pending after a wild pursuit of three cars on Friday
- California highway Patrol attempted to pull over one driver due to a traffic violation but it became apparent two other vehicles were involved
- The driver of the first car was spotted dumping two boxes on the side of the highway then got back in to continue fleeing
- He eventually surrendered and another suspect was caught later on while stopped in traffic
- Witnesses later alerted authorities to the boxes and cops found $915,000 inside
- A K9 detected narcotics on the cash and cops learned the suspects were driving to northern California to buy marijuana
Two men have been arrested after police caught them dumping nearly $1million in cash on a roadside which was intended to buy marijuana.
Frank Capraro, 23, and Desmond McDay, 25, were taken into custody Friday after a California Highway Patrol officer witnessed a traffic violation and attempted to pull over the driver of a black 2020 Chevrolet Suburban.
But when a Ford Expedition straddled the lanes and attempted to block the officer, it became clear more suspects were involved.
The pursuit occurred around 6.30pm on the I-5 ate 5 south of Los Banos in Merced County.
A driver dumped two boxes on the I-5 in Merced County on Friday during the 6.30pm chase
A K9 detected narcotics on the cash and cops learned the suspects were driving to northern California to buy marijuana with the $915,000
Police say that at one point the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban 'stopped on the right shoulder, exited the vehicle and dropped two cardboard boxes off before returning to the vehicle and continuing to flee'.
Shortly after dropping the boxes on the shoulder, the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban stopped his vehicle and surrendered.
But while taking the driver into custody, the officer noticed a third SUV that was involved in the chases.
The driver of the black 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe was stopped in traffic and was also taken into custody.
It was only later that Highway Patrol found out what was inside the boxes as during the pursuit the Merced Communications Center received several 911 calls.
Officers found $915,000 in cash, as well as walkie talkies inside.
Witnesses saw a man dump the boxes during the police chase and cops discovered cash
Authorities later learned the three drivers were using them to communicate during the pursuit.
K9 Beny later was alerted to the odor of narcotics on the currency and cops soon discovered that the suspects were traveling to northern California to purchase marijuana.
The men were arrested and felony charges are pending.
The Ford Expedition changed directions during the pursuit and was not seen or located.
'K9 Beny usually gets all the glory in these types of incidents but it is his handler that really deserves the credit this time,' CHP said. 'What an amazing team! Great job!
Authorities later learned the three drivers were using walkie talkies, also found in the boxes, to communicate during the pursuit
