On Monday, Feb. 15, Hollister Police officers responded to R.O. Hardin School and arrested two Hollister residents on charges of burglary, conspiracy, and resisting arrest.Â
About 12:15 p.m., a person called 911 to report that two subjects had just hopped a fence at the school with bolt cutters. Officers responded and located Jonathan Ruedas and Jesus Casillas, both age 25, in an adjacent apartment complex. Ruedas, police said, was detained immediately, but Casillas fled on foot before being quickly detained after a search of the area.Â
Officers investigated at the scene and determined that Ruedas and Casillas had allegedly broken in to a storage shed on the campus and had stolen about $1,500 worth of tools and equipment. Officers had arrived as Casillas and Ruedas were about to load the stolen property into a vehicle and leave the area. The property was recovered and returned to Hollister School District officials.Â
Casillas and Ruedas were booked at the San Benito County Jail on charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a crime. Casillas faces an additional charge of obstructing a peace officer.Â
“This is a great example of a community member stepping up and calling the police when they see something suspicious. Because this resident called, we were able to catch, and stop, two alleged thieves red-handed,” said Hollister Police Chief David Westrick.Â
Anyone with information regarding these investigations is asked to contact The Hollister Police Department at 636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.Â
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