Police on Friday arrested a 15-year-old residential burglary suspect and tracked down some of the stolen property, along with an unregistered handgun, according to a statement from the Hollister Police Department.
According to a police statement, at about 3 p.m. Friday, Officer Ray Celano responded to a home in the 1700 block of Clearview Drive on a report of residential burglary.
With the help of homeowners, the officer within an hour followed leads and tracked down the stolen property to a home on Farragot Drive, within a half-mile of the victim’s home, police reported.
The officer came in contact with a 15-year-old male and his parents at the home. The officer gained consent to search the house and found the stolen property in the teenager’s bedroom, police alleged.
Police also reported finding other suspected stolen items, including an unregistered, loaded .22-caliber handgun, according to the HPD. Family members of the juvenile claimed to have no knowledge of the stolen property or the fact a gun was in the home.
Police reported that the suspect teenager is on active probation and is a documented gang member from Watsonville.
The stolen property was returned that day, while other items were traced back to a home on Cerra Vista Drive.
The 15-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to juvenile hall on suspicion of burglary, possessing stolen property, being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, and probation violations. Gang enhancement charges are being considered.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call Officer Matt Weiss at (831) 636-4330. People wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
