Hollister Police this week arrested a local man who was carrying a loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine in the city’s downtown, according to authorities.
About 10:46pm Jan. 26, a Hollister Police officer was on patrol when another officer advised him that several people had been involved in a physical altercation, according to a press release. The altercation had been reported in front of the Hollister House Bar and Grill, 500 San Benito Street.
As the officer arrived, he saw three men running from the area, according to authorities. He followed them in order to determine if they were involved in the fight. The officer caught up to the suspects in the area of the 600 block of San Benito Street and detained them.
As the officer was questioning the three men, he recognized one of them as a suspect who was recently arrested for possession of a firearm, police said. As the investigation continued, the officer learned one of the men had a handgun loaded with a high-capacity magazine, concealed on his person. The gun did not display a serial number.
The officer arrested the gun-carrying suspect, Cesar Gomez, 20, of Hollister, police said. Gomez was transported to San Benito County Jail and booked on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a loaded firearm while being a gang member, carrying a loaded firearm for which he was not the owner, altering the serial numbers on a firearm and possession of a high-capacity magazine. All suspected offenses are felonies.
Anyone with information about this investigation can call Officer Evan Umstead at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
