Courtesy of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office:
Yesterday, Detective Jason Leist arrested Manuel Hernandez (of Watsonville, CA) for burglary committed at the De Anza Trail parking area just outside the city limit of San Juan Bautista. This was after an interview at the Santa Cruz County Jail where Hernandez confessed to the crimes.
This year we have had multiple car break-ins at the De Anza Trail. We have had fantastic cooperation from the surrounding neighbors and other concerned citizens in San Juan Bautista. In working with investigators with the Watsonville Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, a suspect was identified. Detective Leist performed follow up and located Hernandez who was in custody at the Santa Cruz County Jail for unrelated charges.
During the interview, Hernandez confessed to breaking into cars at the De Anza Trail and using one of the stolen credit cards to purchase tools at the Home Depot in Gilroy. Since he was already in custody in Santa Cruz County Jail, he will be facing charges in San Benito County upon his release.
If anyone has information about Hernanadez or these crimes, please call Detective Leist at 831 646-4080 Ext 445 or email him at [email protected]
You can also text TIP SBCSO to 888777.
