The Backyard Intruder Bust: A Morgan Hill Pursuit Ends in Double Arrest

You could say, in a way, it was a Monday afternoon unlike any other in Morgan Hill. Around 1:30 p.m., a time often reserved for quiet contemplation or maybe a late lunch, things took a decidedly dramatic turn. A homeowner, perhaps just minding their own business, peered into their backyard and, well, what they saw was certainly unexpected: two unfamiliar women.

Naturally, the homeowner confronted them. And just as quickly, the women—taken by surprise, no doubt—bolted. They scrambled into a silver sedan and, honestly, didn't waste a second, speeding away from the residence, which police later pinpointed near the intersection of Del Monte and Spring Avenues.

But here’s where the story picks up pace. An eagle-eyed Morgan Hill police officer, having heard the initial call, spotted the getaway car. He tried to initiate a stop, flashing those tell-tale lights. Yet, the driver, it seems, had other plans. Instead of pulling over, she floored it, launching into what quickly became a high-stakes chase through the very streets of Morgan Hill.

The pursuit, though relatively brief, was certainly intense. It climaxed when the silver sedan, in its desperate attempt to evade, collided with another vehicle near Monterey Road and Dunne Avenue. Thankfully—and this is a crucial detail—no one in the other car was reported injured. But even that crash wasn't enough to deter the suspects entirely.

Following the impact, both women spilled out of the now-damaged vehicle, abandoning it right there. They took off on foot, a frantic, last-ditch effort to escape. However, law enforcement, having already been hot on their heels, was simply too close, too swift. The suspects, in truth, didn’t get far at all before officers apprehended them.

The driver was identified as 37-year-old Crystal Garcia, hailing from San Jose. As it turns out, she wasn't just facing new charges; Garcia was already wanted on an outstanding felony warrant. She was booked for a string of serious offenses: burglary, evading police, and hit and run. Her passenger, Jessica Smith, 30, also from San Jose, was similarly charged with burglary and evading. Both now find themselves held in Santa Clara County Jail, a stark end to their Monday afternoon escapade.

It’s a tale, really, that underscores the vigilance of local residents and the rapid response of our police force. A quiet Monday, a quick-thinking homeowner, and a determined police pursuit—it all came together to ensure these two alleged backyard intruders were brought to justice.