Off-Duty Officer & Citizens Detain Suspect in Home Depot Theft and Vandalism Incident
VISALIA, CA — November 9th 2025 — A collaborative effort between an off-duty law enforcement officer and several community members resulted in the apprehension of a theft suspect at a Home Depot location in Visalia. Visalia Police Department officers were dispatched to the store on South Demaree Street at approximately 1:35 p.m. following a report of a theft that had recently taken place. Responding officers were advised that an off-duty officer was engaged in a physical altercation with the subject.
The subsequent investigation revealed that Jimmy Aguirre exited the store through an emergency exit while pushing a loaded shopping cart. When confronted by store Loss Prevention personnel, Aguirre reportedly became aggressive. He then proceeded into the parking lot, where he allegedly struck a vehicle with a metal pipe, causing property damage.
An off-duty officer witnessed the confrontation and issued verbal commands for Aguirre to stop.
After verbally identifying himself as a law enforcement officer and displaying his badge, the off-duty officer was reportedly struck by Aguirre.
The officer managed to physically detain the suspect with assistance from employees of a nearby auto oil change business until uniformed Visalia PD officers arrived at the location. Aguirre, who was found to be on active parole, was arrested and transported to the Tulare County Adult Pre-Trial Detention Facility. He was booked on multiple charges, including robbery ($211$ PC), felony vandalism ($594$ PC), battery on a peace officer ($243(b)$ PC), and a parole violation.
A records search indicates that this is far from Aguirre’s first brush with the law. Aguirre’s numerous prior arrests may be viewed here.
