Two arrested for burglarizing Hollister school

Hollister Police arrested two Hollister residents for burglary, conspiracy, and resisting arrest at R.O. Hardin School.

Officers responded to the school on Feb. 15 after a caller reported seeing two people hopping the fence at the school with bolt cutters.

“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,” Hollister Police Chief David Westrick said.

Officers located Jonathan Ruedas, 25, and Jesus Casillas, 25, at a nearby apartment. Police said they were loading the stolen property into a vehicle and were getting ready to leave. Police immediately arrested Ruedas, and had to chase down Casillas. Both are now behind bars at the San Benito County Jail.

Police said the duo allegedly broke into a storage shed on the campus and stole about $1,500 in tools and equipment. The property has been returned to the Hollister School District.