Full Notification

UPDATE:  SUSPECT ARRESTED AND IN CUSTODY

After further investigation, the suspect in this incident was identified as 39-year-old Cesar Gutierrez.  Gilroy police officers located and arrested Gutierrez on January 27^th, 2020, at 10:30 pm in the 300 block of Walnut Lane in Gilroy.  Gutierrez was later booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for kidnapping and violation of probation. 

Original message:

On January 25, 2020 at approximately 3:04 PM, a Gilroy family was shopping at the Gilroy Goodwill store, 845 First Street.  At one point, the father realized his 2-year-old son was not in the aisle with his other children.  He searched the store and found his son in a different aisle holding an adult male’s hand.  The father heard the suspect say, “Let’s go buddy.” as he appeared to lead the 2-year-old to the front of the store.  The father confronted the suspect and the suspect let go of the child’s hand.  Shortly after, the child’s father informed store employees what occurred.  The employees had already escorted the suspect out of the store for shoplifting.  The suspect became aggressive outside.  He began to yell and hit the building.  The employees had to the lock  the doors to keep the suspect out.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 35-40 years old, 5’10”-6’0” tall, 180-200 pounds, and a bald head.  The suspect had tattoos on the back of his head and neck area.  He was wearing a blue polo shirt with thin horizontal stripes, very long black shorts, white socks and black and white Nike shoes.  He was riding a blue bicycle with a basket attached to the front.

This incident was reported to the Gilroy Police Department a day after it occurred.

The suspect is not known at this time.

The incident is being actively investigated by the Gilroy Police Department.  Please contact Detective Silva at 408-846-0335 with any information. 

Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call our Tip Line at 408-846-0330.