HOLLISTER, CA — Three individuals are reportedly facing multiple felony charges for alleged mail theft and other crimes after being arrested in Hollister over the weekend.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:35 a.m. in the vicinity of Lucero Drive and Santa Ana Road.
According to a press release by the Hollister Police Department, a resident driving home observed three men stealing mail from a community mailbox shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7.
The mailbox, located in the area of Lucero Drive and Santa Ana Road, had been targeted by thieves multiple times in the past year, police said.
When the resident got out of his vehicle and began taking pictures of the suspects with his phone, the suspects allegedly attacked him, stole his phone, and tried to take his wallet. The victim fought off the suspects, even knocking one to the ground, and managed to escape.
The suspects reportedly then fled the area in a vehicle, heading toward Fairview Road.
Evidence recovered during search of vehicle (Hollister PD)
The victim flagged down a police officer and provided a description of the suspects and their vehicle. The officer soon located the vehicle on Fairview Road and coordinated with other law enforcement entities to conduct a high-risk stop on the 6500 block of Fairview Road.
In the vehicle, police reportedly discovered stolen mail, post office keys, homemade keys, tools for picking locks, the victim’s phone, and “other evidence in or around the suspect vehicle.”
The suspects — identified as Gane Lee, Sombat Vang, and Eng Yang — were taken into custody.
Police have reportedly linked the suspects to other mail thefts in the Fresno area and are working with the office of the Postmaster General to follow up.
In the mean time, Hollister police are working to return stolen articles of mail to its intended recipients. Those who live on Cabrillo Drive, Brigantino Drive, Marbella Circle, Cielo Court, or Blenheim Court who may have had mail stolen are encouraged to contact the Hollister PD Evidence Bureau at (831) 636-4330.
