CHP officer returns $120,000 found in roadway

An off-duty state highway patrol sergeant found two bank deposit bags stuffed with more than $120,000 in cash – and immediately handed over the loot, say officials.

An off-duty state highway patrol sergeant found two bank deposit bags stuffed with more than $120,000 in cash on a busy suburban roadway, and immediately handed over the loot, officials said Monday.

The California Highway Patrol officer was driving his personal car in Concord last month when he swerved around the two tire-marked bags, made a U-turn and retrieved the bags, said CHP spokesman Officer John Fransen.

Fransen did not release the officer's name, but said he has been with the agency for 20 years. Authorities say the sergeant was driving on Concord Boulevard on Sept. 17, when he found the money.

He said in a statement released by the CHP that as someone paid to uphold the law it's his job to set an example even when he's not wearing his badge.

"I am happy to hear the rightful owner was identified and that the money has been returned," the sergeant said in a statement.

The money was turned over to Concord police, the rightful owner was identified, and the cash was returned. Police did not say how the money was dropped or how they found the 31-year-old owner, who had the money from the sale of a business.

The CHP plans to present the sergeant with a commendation at a private ceremony later this fall.