Crime & Safety

Criminal Acts: Assault, Hit-and-Run and Stolen Christmas Presents

A woman also assaulted her live-in girlfriend, who sustained multiple injuries.

It's been a busy week for the Gilroy Police Department, with several burglaries, and assaults.


Three victims were threatened by a group of six or seven men as they left the El Grullense restaurant on Friday at 6:50 p.m. One of the suspects attempted to hit victim two, while the rest of the suspects focused on assaulting victim one, who was hit in the face with a half of a brick.

While the assault was occurring, one of the suspects reportedly pulled out a knife and then unfolded it. The victims then took off, running south and crossed First Street. The victims took a rest at the south west corner of Rosanna and First Street, and saw the suspect vehicle accelerating toward them. The vehicle drove up onto the sidewalk near the victims, who then fled into JV Liquors to ask for help.

The suspect vehicle reportedly drove by the liquor store twice, staring at the victims as they were awaiting help. Victim one sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by EMS. The other victims didn’t sustain any injuries.

Sgt. Chad Gallacinao of the Gilroy Police Department said the motive behind the attack is being investigated, and that police haven't confirmed whether the incident is gang related.

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sunday, Dec. 4

10:50 p.m.—A person was driving on Los Padres Court and drove his gray 2005 Ford into a light pole, mail box and tree. There were no injuries.

3:39 p.m.—An unknown suspect is wanted for a hit-and-run, after the individual collided  into a victim’s vehicle near the intersection of Church and First streets. The suspect then fled the scene, and is still outstanding.

11:59 a.m.—An unknown suspect entered a residence on Arnold Drive and stole a load of items, including Christmas gifts. Other items include a flat-screen TV, a camcorder and jewelry. The items have a combined worth of $3,700.

10:55 a.m.—A suspect was observed by witnesses spray painting an area on El Roble Elementary School on Third Street. The suspect fled on foot, but was later located in the area near Wren Avenue and Byers Street.

Responding officers searched the suspect for weapons and found him to be in possession of an eight inch knife that was concealed in the suspect’s sweater. The search also revealed suspected marijuana. The suspect admitting to spray painting the school, and was arrested for weapon possession.

Saturday, Dec. 3

11 p.m.—A residence on La Alondra Way was burglarized by a known suspect, who removed electronic equipment, jewelry and cash. The suspect also fled the scene in the victim’s car, which he later returned. During the course of the incident, the suspect and two other individuals were scene by a witness in a  green 2001 Ford, which had been reported stolen just hours earlier. The vehicle was later crashed and abandoned in the area of Uvas Road and Croyle Road. The California Highway Patrol recovered the vehicle, and the three suspects involved in the case were later arrested in the area of San Jose on unrelated charges and were booked into Santa Clara County jail. The case is under investigation.

6:26 p.m.—Alicia A Catano, 43, was seen attempting to shoplift hundreds of dollars worth of items from a store on East Tenth Street. Catano was seen using a magnetic key to open the locks on a wall display, and then removing personal electronic items. Catano was on probation for a previous burglary, and was put on a probation hold, and then transported to county jail.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Find out what's happening in Gilroywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2:25 a.m.—Desiree Hope Biggs, 36, was arrested for striking her live-in girlfriend multiple times with her fists. The victim sustained multiple injuries.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

2:40 a.m.—Mark Anthony Ashford, 36, was arrested for being in possession of a stolen vehicle and for violating parole. He was booked into Santa Clara County Jail.

9:49 a.m.—A Remington Express Magnum shotgun was found in an unlocked vehicle on El Cerrito Way.

This arrest information was supplied by the Gilroy Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction. To view more crimes that occurred over the past week, refer to the attached press report.


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