A chaotic scene unfolded on a San Diego County freeway as an armored truck accidentally spilled large amounts of cash onto the roadway, prompting a frenzy among motorists who stopped their cars to collect the scattered bills.

The incident, which occurred around 9 a.m. on Friday near Carlsbad on Interstate 5, quickly gained attention as drivers flooded the lanes in a rush to scoop up the loose cash. However, authorities have since warned that anyone who took the money must return it or face potential criminal charges.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the FBI are actively investigating the event, which caused a massive traffic jam as people abandoned their vehicles to chase after the money. Despite the excitement, law enforcement agencies have been clear: the cash belongs to the bank and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), not the finders. CHP Sergeant Curtis Martin emphasized, “If you found money on the freeway, it is not your money. It belongs to the FDIC and this armored truck and the bank. It needs to be returned.”

The armored truck, belonging to Sectran Security Inc., was traveling on the 5 Freeway when its doors unexpectedly opened, allowing cash to fly across several lanes of traffic. While the truck driver initially attempted to gather the bills, the overwhelming number of people grabbing at the money led the driver to start recording the scene as evidence.

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Videos and photos shared across social media, including an Instagram video posted by fitness influencer Demi Bagby, captured people enthusiastically collecting the bills. In one widely circulated image, a woman in a grey hoodie is seen laughing while clutching a wad of cash. Bagby, who described the incident as “the most insane thing I’ve ever seen” to her more than 2 million followers, did not respond to requests for comment.

The CHP and FBI have warned that these social media posts will be used as evidence in identifying those who participated in the cash grab. Authorities are urging the public to return any money they collected to avoid legal consequences. “Many of the motorists returned the money immediately to the officers; however, there were motorists observed driving from the scene with stolen money,” the agencies stated. The CHP thanked those who have already returned money and reminded others to do the same within 48 hours to avoid potential criminal charges.

Despite this warning, two individuals were arrested at the scene. According to the CHP, a man and a woman were taken into custody after they were found blocking traffic, having locked themselves out of their car while attempting to gather the cash. Officers have indicated that others could face legal consequences as the investigation continues.

Witnesses described the chaotic moments when drivers and even truckers stopped their vehicles to join in the mad dash for cash. One driver, Travis Fisher, shared his experience, recounting how he initially thought it was an accident when he saw vehicles suddenly coming to a stop. “There was a sea of bills, everywhere,” Fisher said, estimating that thousands of dollars had been scattered across the freeway. By 10 a.m., officers were seen working to secure the area, collecting the remaining bills and placing them in plastic bags.

As the CHP and FBI continue to investigate, they have yet to reveal how much money was lost during the incident or what exactly caused the armored truck’s doors to open. Authorities, however, are clear in their message: while the sight of cash flying through the air may have been thrilling, it’s not a free-for-all. Those who took the money must return it or face the consequences.