HOLLISTER, CA — Early Saturday morning, three people were arrested in Hollister after they were caught stealing mail and allegedly attacking a local resident who tried to stop them.
The drama unfolded around 2:35 a.m. near Lucero Drive and Santa Ana Road. According to the Hollister Police Department, a resident was driving home when he noticed three men swiping mail from a community mailbox. This wasn’t the first time this mailbox had been targeted—police say it’s been hit multiple times over the past year.
The resident decided to take action. He stopped his car, got out, and started snapping pictures of the suspects with his phone. But instead of fleeing, the suspects turned on him. They reportedly attacked him, stole his phone, and even tried to grab his wallet. The resident fought back, knocking one of the men to the ground, before managing to escape.
The suspects then jumped into a car and sped off toward Fairview Road. Determined not to let them get away, the victim flagged down a nearby police officer and shared descriptions of both the men and their getaway car. Thanks to this quick thinking, officers were able to track the car down on Fairview Road and stopped it on the 6500 block.
When police searched the vehicle, they found a treasure trove of stolen mail, keys for mailboxes (some from the post office and others homemade), tools for breaking into locks, and the victim’s phone. Officers also found other evidence linking the suspects to additional crimes.
The three suspects—Gane Lee, Sombat Vang, and Eng Yang—were arrested on the spot. Investigators now believe the trio may be tied to other mail thefts in the Fresno area. Hollister police are working with the Postmaster General’s office to dig deeper into the case.
Meanwhile, police are working to return stolen mail to its rightful owners. Residents who live on Cabrillo Drive, Brigantino Drive, Marbella Circle, Cielo Court, or Blenheim Court are being asked to contact the Hollister PD Evidence Bureau at (831) 636-4330 if they think their mail might have been stolen.
This incident serves as a reminder to stay alert and report any suspicious activity, especially in neighborhoods that have been frequent targets for mail theft. Thanks to the bravery of one resident and quick police work, a dangerous trio is off the streets.
