Hollister Police responded to hundreds of calls for service and wrote dozens of citations for fireworks violations over the July 4 holiday weekend and during the Independence Rally.
Specifically, on July 3, Hollister Police officers responded to 96 calls and conducted 32 officer-initiated interactions, the Hollister Police Department said in a press release. Authorities received 15 fireworks-related calls and officers conducted seven criminal investigations, arrested two suspects and issued three citations.
On July 4, officers responded to 157 calls for service and conducted 35 officer-initiated events, the press release says. Police responded to 59 fireworks calls, completed 12 criminal investigations, arrested six people and issued 14 citations. The citations included 10 misdemeanors, one municipal code citation for illegal fireworks, one infraction and a traffic warning.
The criminal investigations included serious criminal offenses such as felony assault, felony domestic violence, felony hit and run, driving under the influence, vandalism, vehicle theft, child endangerment and possession of illegal weapons, police said.
“Despite low staffing challenges, the Hollister Police Department maintained full patrol operations throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend,” says the press release. “All available sworn personnel were assigned to patrol operations throughout the city and the Downtown Rally footprint.
“Officers focused on rapid response to calls for service, traffic safety and the detection of criminal activity to ensure a safe environment for residents and the thousands of visitors attending the Rally.”
Police said “by far one of the most tragic calls” was a July 3 dirt bike accident on Valley View Road that took the life of a Hollister juvenile. The victim’s family identified him as 17-year-old Mason Gomes.
Gomes collided with the rear of a trailer parked on the side of the street, and was pronounced dead after emergency responders transported him to the hospital.
Downtown rally enforcement
Hollister Police attempted to maintain a visible presence throughout the July 3-4 Independence Rally, which drew thousands of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts to the downtown area.
On July 3, officers completed six criminal investigations, issued one citation and towed one vehicle from the rally scene, police said. The investigations included three separate cases involving illegal weapons, known as “get back whips,” as well as grand theft and an informational report.
On July 4, police completed eight criminal investigations at the rally, made two arrests and issued one citation, says the press release. Seven additional investigations involved violations of California Penal Code 22210, resulting in the seizure of numerous illegal get back whips and similar prohibited weapons.
During weekend enforcement efforts, Hollister Police confiscated 10 illegal get back whips from motorcyclists participating in the event.
“While some people view these items as motorcycle accessories, they are designed to be quickly detached from the motorcycle and used as an impact weapon,” says the press release. “Many consist of a braided leather or paracord whip with a heavy metal quick-release clip or weighted end, allowing them to be swung with significant force and capable of causing serious bodily injury.”
Over the two-day period, officers responded to 74 fireworks-related calls for service throughout Hollister and took enforcement action when violations were observed, says the press release. More than 54 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated and turned over to the fire department for destruction.
“Illegal fireworks pose a serious risk of injury, increase the potential for fires, generate unnecessary calls for emergency services and negatively impact neighborhoods,” police said.
