1 arrested after evacuation of Home Depot on Gosford Road: BPD

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man was arrested following a search inside a Home Depot in southwest Bakersfield Friday.

Julian Mendoza, 31, was arrested under suspicion of attempted auto theft, conspiracy and vandalism, according to the Bakersfield Police Department. Police are investigating one other outstanding suspect involved but confirm there is no active threat to the community.

A heavy police presence has been reported at the Home Depot store on Gosford Road and District Boulevard.

Emergency responders were called to the Home Depot store at around 9:15 a.m. Home Depot employees and customers were seen outside the store and in the parking as Bakersfield police officers surrounded the building.

According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the massive police response began when a victim of burglary followed a vehicle that may have been involved in the alleged theft.

The victim pointed officers to the suspect’s vehicle in the Home Depot parking lot. Officers detained the subjects in the vehicle where they learned another fled inside the business.

BPD staged outside the home supply store and detained the outstanding suspect, a spokesperson said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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