HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – February 4, 2026 - The Hollister Police Department successfully utilized proactive investigative techniques and Flock Safety License Plate Reader (LPR) technology to arrest two suspects in connection with a catalytic converter theft and related criminal offenses.
On February 2, 2026, Senior Officer P. Torres responded to and documented a reported theft of a catalytic converter that occurred during the early morning hours in Hollister. Through a detailed review of video surveillance footage provided by the victim and the strategic use of Flock Safety License Plate Reader cameras, Officer Torres identified and developed an investigative lead involving a suspect vehicle observed leaving the area at the time of the theft. The vehicle was subsequently determined to be registered to a residence in the City of Merced.
On February 4, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Officer Cruz received a real-time alert from the Flock Safety LPR system indicating the suspect vehicle had re-entered the City of Hollister. At approximately 3:22 a.m., Officer Cruz located the vehicle occupied by two individuals and conducted a traffic stop for an observed traffic violation near the intersection of Bridgevale Road and Graf Road. Officers Ramos and Robledo assisted to ensure the stop was conducted safely and effectively.
During contact with the vehicle’s occupants, officers observed a catalytic converter in plain view on the rear seat of the vehicle. Based on this observation, officers conducted a lawful probable cause search, which resulted in the recovery of the catalytic converter, burglary tools commonly used in catalytic converter thefts, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia. Officers suspect the recovered catalytic converter may be from another currently unreported theft and stolen earlier that night.
The driver, David Baker (30) of Merced, and the passenger, Mee Xiong (38) of Merced, were arrested and booked on multiple charges, including grand theft, conspiracy to commit a felony, possession of burglary tools, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Xiong was determined to be on active probation out of Merced, California.
The Hollister Police Department commends Officers P. Torres, Cruz, Ramos, and Robledo for their coordinated investigative efforts, attention to detail, and effective use of technology, which directly led to the identification, apprehension, and arrest of the suspects. This case highlights the value of modern law enforcement tools, such as the Flock Safety License Plate Reader Camera System, when combined with skilled police work.
The Hollister Police Department remains committed to transparency and privacy protections. Flock Safety LPR data collected in Hollister is not shared with federal agencies or agencies outside the State of California.
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Prepared by: Sergeant David Anderson
Approved by: Chief Carlos Reynoso
