Press Release: MCSO Arrests Suspect For Armed Robbery, Stolen Vehicle

DATE/TIME: 09/13/24 at 10:00 AM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies and K9 Arrest Subject for Armed Robbery, Recover Stolen AG Supplies and Stolen Vehicle-

LOCATION: 11200 block of Blackie Road, Castroville

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies, with the assistance of K9 “Tonus”, arrest a suspect wanted in an armed robbery. Stolen agricultural supplies and a stolen vehicle were recovered.

On Friday September 13th, about 12:25 AM, Monterey County Sheriff deputies received a call of an armed robbery that just occurred in the 11200 Block of Blackie Rd, Castroville. Two suspects, one of which was armed with a handgun, entered the agricultural business, confronted an employee and took agriculture related supplies. A description of the suspects and their vehicle was provided.

One of the responding deputies observed a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. As he turned and attempted to catch up to the vehicle, it began to flee. The suspect vehicle came to a sudden stop in the area of Castroville Blvd and Dolan Road. The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Additional deputies, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol, established a perimeter. Monterey County Sheriff K9 “Tonus” began to track the suspect through thick vegetation, pastureland, and other obstacles. Additional assistance was provided by Monterey County Sheriff drones. K9 “Tonus” continued his search and led deputies to the suspect who was found hiding inside a children’s tube slide located in the backyard of a residence on Russo Road. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jesse Gallardo of Castroville, was taken into custody without further incident. The second suspect is still outstanding. At this time, he is only described as a male in all dark clothing.

During the course of the investigation, the vehicle driven by Gallardo was found to be an unreported stolen vehicle with stolen license plates from another vehicle. The agricultural related supplies taken during the robbery were also recovered. The items were valued at approximately $4,500.

Jesse Gallardo was booked into the Monterey County Jail for violation of 211 PC - Robbery; 2800.1 VC – Flee/Evade Peace Officer; 10851(a) VC – Possession of Stolen Vehicle; 496(a) PC – Possession of stolen property, 182(a) PC - Conspiracy.

Descriptions provided by the victim and witnesses were crucial in locating the vehicle and recovering stolen property, a stolen vehicle, and stolen license plates. The teamwork of deputies on scene, as well as the hard work put in by K9 Tonus, led to the safe apprehension of one of the suspects. Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “I am proud of the work our deputies and allied agency partners did today to safely arrest the involved suspect and recover several thousand dollars in stolen Ag supplies.”

Anyone with information related to this incident, including information about the identity and location of the second suspect is asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office Ag Crimes Detective, Jesus Reyes, at 831-755-3805.