Two San Jose men were arrested after allegedly stealing over $6,000 worth of merchandise from various stores in Tulare and Fresno Counties, according to Visalia Police.
The incident occurred around 2:15 PM on Wednesday when the VPD HOPE team responded to a theft at the Ross store on North Dinuba Boulevard in Visalia. Upon arrival, officers discovered 31-year-old Fernandeo Mendoza Esquivel and 19-year-old Jesus Gonzalez, both from San Jose, in their car. As officers approached, the suspects fled on foot but were quickly apprehended.
Investigators learned that the two men had also stolen merchandise from two other Ross stores in Fresno County prior to the Visalia theft. During a search of their vehicle, police discovered 310 stolen items valued at approximately $6,300.
Both Esquivel and Gonzalez were booked into the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Facility. They face charges including organized retail theft, grand theft, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
