Suspected Christmas toy thieves arrested

A couple suspected of stealing roughly $400 worth of Christmas toys meant for children while burglarizing a Castroville church were arrested Wednesday, according to Monterey County sheriff’s deputies.

Luis Garcia Lopez, 37, and Yvonne Jessica Martinez, 31, were identified as suspects using surveillance video from a burglary at Our Lady of Refuge Church at 11140 Preston Street on Oct. 16.

Both suspects are listed as transients, according to deputies.

Lopez, a mechanic, was arrested at his place of business on a number of outstanding warrants and possession of methamphetamine, deputies said.

Martinez was arrested in Salinas near a car containing children’s toys on Clark Street. Deputies said she initially denied any involvement in the burglary, but later confessed.