Technology and proactive police work played a key role in helping Campbell officers quickly solve a robbery case.
On Wednesday, 5/27/26 at approximately 9:14 AM, CPD officers responded to a robbery near Apricot Ave. It was reported that a male brandished a firearm, stole various garden tools, and fled the scene in a red vehicle driven by a female.
Utilizing the Campbell Police Department's Real-Time Intelligence Center (INFORM), which brings together information from multiple public safety systems, investigators quickly identified the suspect vehicle. Around 11:17 AM, officers were notified by our Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system that the vehicle was in Campbell. A high-risk traffic stop was conducted, and the occupants were identified as John Carlos Esquivel (39) and Reyna Guadalupe Palma Garcia (31), both of San Jose.
During the search of the suspects and vehicle, officers located methamphetamine on one of the suspects and the victim's stolen tools. Esquivel and Garcia were arrested for robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, theft, and various other charges.
Both suspects have an extensive criminal history, and Esquivel was on active formal probation for prior vehicle theft and drug offenses. The suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail where Garcia has since been released and Esquivel remains in custody.
“This case highlights the impact of combining innovative technology with outstanding police work,” said Chief Gary Berg. “Real-time tools help our officers identify suspects more quickly, solve crimes more effectively, and enhance public safety throughout our community.”
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