Two suspects were arrested during an organized retail theft enforcement operation in east Bakersfield, police said.
According to the Bakersfield Police Department, Christopher Bleakley, 24, and Cole Hernandez, 30, were taken into custody on January 20, 2026, in the 1600 block of Columbus Street as part of a retail theft blitz conducted by the department’s Organized Retail Theft (ORT) unit.
Investigators said the two are accused of being involved in a combined 32 retail theft incidents targeting several businesses, including Target, DD’s Discount and Lowe’s.
Police said Bleakley is allegedly connected to 18 theft incidents that caused an estimated loss of $12,925.71 to local retailers. He was booked into the Kern County Jail on multiple charges, including grand theft, brandishing a weapon, possession of a narcotic, shoplifting, robbery and resisting arrest.
Hernandez is allegedly linked to 14 theft incidents with a total reported loss of $6,365.05. He was booked into the Kern County Jail on charges including grand theft, fraud and identity theft, organized retail theft, conspiracy and possession of a controlled substance.
Police said the ORT unit has worked closely with local retailers since its launch in 2023 to combat organized retail theft across Bakersfield.