Police arrested a suspect alleging vehicle theft, driving under the influence and receiving stolen property.
According to a Hollister police statement:
On October 8, 2017 at about 12:32 AM, officers arrested, Jose Eduardo Garcia (46) on charges of vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, driving under the influence, and a parole violation.
On October 8, 2017, at about 12:02 AM, the Hollister Police Department responded to a report of a vehicle theft that had just occurred from the Quick Stop Gas Station parking lot at 10 San Felipe Road. A white 1996 Nissan Sentra sedan was taken from the parking lot. The vehicle was left unlocked with the engine running prior to the theft.
Minutes later, Sergeant Celano located Jose Garcia and the stolen vehicle in the back of the Los Cuates Market parking lot at 220 San Felipe Road. Jose Garcia was identified as the person who took the vehicle. The stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to the owner.
While conducting the investigation, officers discovered Garcia was a parolee on early release from prison and suspected he had been operating the stolen vehicle while intoxicated. A DUI investigation was conducted and Garcia was also arrested for driving while under the influence. He was later transported to the San Benito County Jail where he was booked for the listed charges.
The Hollister Police Department would like to remind the public the importance of turning off and securing unattended vehicles. Doing so can help to prevent vehicle thefts and help contribute to the overall safety of our community.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Officer Sifuentes at the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4331. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME. Calls to WeTip can lead to rewards of up to $1,000.
