September 15, 2024 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials report that deputies, with the assistance of K9 “Tonus”, arrest a suspect wanted in an armed robbery. Stolen agricultural supplies and a stolen vehicle were recovered.
On Friday September 13th, at about 12:25 A.M., two suspects, one of which was armed with a handgun, entered the agricultural business, confronted an employee and took agriculture related supplies. The suspect vehicle began to flee. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Additional deputies, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, established a perimeter. Monterey County Sheriff K9 “Tonus” tracked the suspect. Additional assistance was provided by Monterey County Sheriff drones. K9 “Tonus” led deputies to the suspect who was found hiding inside a children’s tube slide. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jesse Gallardo of Castroville, was taken into custody without further incident. The second suspect is still outstanding. At this time, he is only described as a male in all dark clothing.
The vehicle driven by Gallardo was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle with stolen license plates from another vehicle. The agricultural-related supplies taken during the robbery were also recovered. The items were valued at approximately $4,500. Jesse Gallardo was booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 211 PC - Robbery; 2800.1 VC – Flee/Evade Peace Officer; 10851(a) VC – Possession of Stolen Vehicle; 496(a) PC – Possession of stolen property, 182(a) PC - Conspiracy.
Descriptions provided by the victim and witnesses were crucial in locating the vehicle and recovering stolen property. The teamwork of deputies on scene, as well as the hard work put in by K9 Tonus, led to the safe apprehension of one of the suspects. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “I am proud of the work our deputies and allied agency partners did today to safely arrest the involved suspect and recover several thousand dollars in stolen Ag supplies.”
Anyone with information related to this incident, including information about the identity and location of the second suspect is asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Ag Crimes Detective, Jesus Reyes, at 831-755-3805.
Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
