Watsonville Man Accused Of Stealing A Gator From Cabrillo College

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — A Watsonville man accused of stealing a John Deere Gator from the Athletics Department at Cabrillo College was arrested last week, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said. The valuable John Deere SUV, which is used to transport people and equipment during the school’s athletics events, was reported missing on Feb. 26.

The sheriff’s office said deputies used campus surveillance video footage to identify 46-year-old Watsonville resident Jesse Chmelicek as the suspect. Deputies found Chmelicek in a car in Watsonville.

At the time of his arrest, Chmelicek was dressed in the same clothing worn during the theft, the sheriff's office said. Chmelicek was also in possession of methamphetamine, a pipe, and burglary tools in his car, according to the sheriff’s office. He remains in custody.