Police arrested a man for possession of dangerous weapons during a traffic stop earlier this week, according to Hollister Police Department.
About 9:40pm Oct. 9, Hollister Police Officer Evan Umstead was on patrol in the 1000 block of Airline Highway area when he stopped a car for a vehicle code violation, police said. When Umstead contacted the driver, identified as Ramiro Blanco, Jr., 27, of Hollister, the officer noted a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from the vehicle.
While Umstead investigated the vehicle code violation, he found a handgun hidden inside the car, according to authorities. The handgun was loaded with a high-capacity magazine. Another high-capacity magazine was found next to the firearm.
Furthermore, Umstead found an illegal “slungshot” in Blanco’s vehicle, according to police. A slungshot is a long cord with a weight attached to one end—a weapon designed to severely injure someone. Slungshots are illegal in California and many other states.
Blanco was booked at San Benito County Jail on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm, possessing a dangerous weapon and two counts of possessing high-capacity magazines, police said.
Anyone with information about this incident can call Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
