More than 500 eighth grade girls gathered at the University of Redlands for the 32nd annual AAUW STEM Conference, exploring careers where women remain underrepresented but opportunities continue to grow.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Police have arrested a Redlands man suspected in a string of commercial burglaries in the city’s downtown area dating back to December 2025.
Nicholas Jesse Ontiveros, 38, was arrested Feb. 6 while allegedly attempting to burglarize Top Choice Gaming on East Citrus Avenue.
Police released details of the arrest Thursday following questions from Community Forward Redlands about unsolved downtown burglaries.
Officers responded to a video alarm at 19 E. Citrus Ave. and located Ontiveros in a nearby alley in possession of a surveillance camera removed from inside the business, police said. Officers also found a pry bar and bolt cutters nearby.
Investigators later linked Ontiveros to additional burglaries, including incidents at Cheesewalla, 5 E. Citrus Ave., on Jan. 27 and Cyclery USA, 21 W. Stuart St., on Jan. 15.
Police said Ontiveros has also been connected to four commercial burglaries in downtown Redlands reported in December: Epic Engineers and Therapy in Redlands, both at 101 E. Redlands Blvd.; Talia’s Nail and Spa, 1546 Orange St.; and The State, 22 E. State St.
In each case, investigators said Ontiveros forced entry into the businesses. Items reported stolen included electric bicycles, computers, mail and other personal property.
The arrest comes as some downtown business owners have raised concerns in recent months about break-ins and overnight thefts.
Earlier Thursday, city spokesperson Carl Baker said Redlands Police use a “robust crime analysis unit and data-driven approach to law enforcement,” with proactive patrols adjusted to address crime trends and identified hot spots. He added that the department actively engages with the local business community to address concerns.
A former local TV news producer, Stephanie launched CFR in 2023. Originally from Michigan, she’s made Redlands home with her husband and three kids. When she’s not reporting, she’s problem-solving at the climbing gym or trying new local restaurants.
