Police have identified and arrested a San Juan Bautista man caught on surveillance accused of walking out of Safeway holding bottles of liquor in one arm while carrying a knife in the opposite hand, according to the Hollister Police Department.
At about 6:37 p.m. May 23, the male entered the store at 591 Tres Pinos Road and walked to the liquor aisle. Shortly after, he was observed carrying multiple liquor bottles in his right arm out the exit without paying for them while also apparently holding a knife in his right hand, according to police. A citizen alerted management, which informed police of surveillance video showing the man.
On Monday with the help of tipsters, police identified and arrested Alfredo Gonzalez, 25, from San Juan.
According to a statement released Wednesday:
The Hollister Police Department received information directly from local citizens as well as through WeTip identifying Gonzalez as the suspect pictured. A follow-up investigation led officers to contact Gonzalez (who was in custody at the San Benito County Jail on an unrelated matter) and identify him and further evidence of his involvement. Charges of commercial burglary were added to Gonzalez’ jail booking.
The statement went on:
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank WeTip and the citizens who assisted by taking the time to help in this investigation.
