Briana Fernandez arrested, teen injured in crash with stolen car on Highway 1 (Capitola, CA)

Briana Fernandez was arrested after driving off the destroyed Highway 1 bridge in Capitola

CAPITOLA, CA (June 6, 2024) – Authorities arrested Briana Fernandez of Watsonville after an accident involving a stolen car on Highway 1 early Monday morning.

According to Santa Cruz Police, the incident occurred on June 3 at approximately 1:57 a.m. Officers received a call about a stolen vehicle. They later located the reported vehicle but did not initiate a pursuit for safety reasons. Instead, a “Watch Out!” alert was issued.

A short time later, Capitola police noticed the stolen vehicle and initiated a chase.

According to reports, the driver then drove off the destroyed Highway 1 bridge and crashed into the roadway below.

Emergency personnel transported the driver and a teenage passenger for treatment of minor to serious injuries. Officers later released the unidentified teenager to his parents.

Authorities have since arrested the driver, later identified as Fernandez, on charges of child endangerment and possession of a stolen vehicle.

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to investigate the incident. As more information becomes available, officials will release it.

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