HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – June 22, 2026 - A report of a possible commercial burglary in progress resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of stolen merchandise connected to an organized retail theft operation.
On June 21, 2026, Officer Robledo, Sergeant Leland, Detective Garcia, and Sergeant Anderson responded to a report of suspicious circumstances at Ulta Beauty, located on 1200 block of East Park Street in Hollister. Store employees reported that two individuals suspected of committing a theft earlier that day at the Ulta Beauty store in Gilroy were currently inside the Hollister location.
As officers quickly coordinated their response, Sergeant Leland obtained information indicating that one of the suspects had exited the store without paying for multiple fragrance bottles and was seen entering a white Toyota Prius. Sergeant Leland located the vehicle as it was leaving the shopping center and conducted a traffic stop on Highway 25 near Tres Pinos Road.
During the investigation, Sergeant Leland identified the driver as 28-year-old Juan Sichaca Galindo and confirmed he was the same individual observed leaving the store with the stolen merchandise. A search of the vehicle and subsequent investigation led to the recovery of more than a dozen fragrance bottles, along with new clothing bearing Old Navy merchandise tags and anti-theft security devices that had not been removed.
At the same time, Officer Robledo remained at the store and detained the second suspect, identified as 27-year-old Jhonathan Pardo Tovar. Officer Robledo determined that Galindo had stolen more than $1,400 worth of merchandise from the Hollister Ulta Beauty store. Investigators also learned that upon realizing law enforcement had arrived, Pardo Tovar attempted to discard numerous fragrance bottles from a bag he was carrying.
The investigation revealed evidence consistent with an organized retail theft operation and highlighted the value of effective communication and teamwork among responding officers and store staff. The coordinated efforts of patrol officers and store staff allowed investigators to quickly identify the suspects, recover stolen property, and gather the evidence necessary to support felony charges.
As part of the investigation, the Hollister Police Department notified the Gilroy Police Department regarding the theft that occurred at the Ulta Beauty store in Gilroy and requested assistance in following up with the Old Navy store concerning the recovered stolen merchandise and unreported thefts.
Juan Sichaca Galindo and Jhonathan Pardo Tovar were arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail on felony charges including Grand Theft, Organized Retail Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.
The Hollister Police Department remains committed to working with local businesses and regional law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals involved in organized retail theft. These crimes not only impact businesses financially but also affect employees, customers, and the community as a whole.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4331.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided anonymously through WeTip may be eligible for a reward.
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Prepared by: Sergeant David Anderson
Approved by: Chief Carlos Reynoso
# 26-1415
