Social media post helps deputies catch Hollister burglar
A Hollister burglary victim’s social media post helped deputies track down a man suspected of stealing from several residents.
On April 24, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Clara County Special Enforcement Team served a burglary-related search warrant in the 100 block of Sierra Court in Hollister.
The warrant was written after residents in the Oak Creek and Quail Hollow neighborhoods gave San Benito County Sheriff’s video surveillance of a suspected burglar in their area.
“In fact, one of the victims in the case was able to post a “screen shot” of the suspect on “social media.” This post resulted in a “tip” the victim got as to the name of the suspect and the area where he was known to live,” said Capt. Eric Taylor.
The victim went to suspect, Alfredo Zendejas home on Sierra Ct and saw him walking in the neighborhood with stolen property. When the victim confronted Zendejas he took off running.
A deputy followed up on the case and went to Zendejas family home on Sierra Ct.
Capt. Taylor said, “The suspect was supposed to be living in Ventura County. After it was established the suspect and his vehicle were frequenting the home, a warrant to search the home was issued.”
Zendejas was arrested after he tried to make a run for it. He was found in possession of multiple items of stolen property. Some of the items didn’t match what he had taken in county cases so Hollister police detectives were asked to come to the scene.
HPD was able to identify some of the stolen items as property stolen in city burglaries.
Zendejas was also arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition and for a violation of his probation terms.
“The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank and commend the residents of Oak Creek and Quail Hollow for their collaborative effort in combating these burglaries in their neighborhood. It was through the vigilance and community effort shown by these neighbors, and victims, that this case was brought to a close.”
