Hollister police recently arrested a 33-year-old Hollister man on suspicion of weapon and gun charges after a brief foot pursuit with an officer.
An officer arrested Michael A. Barrientos on the charges after the foot race through a downtown Hollister neighborhood, according to a statement from police.
At about 6 p.m. Oct. 23, an officer was driving his car on Sally Street near Hawkins Street and noticed a man trying to hide his face while walking in the opposite direction. The officer noted that based on the recent crime activity in the area, he decided to stop and approach the man, police alleged.
According to the police statement: “Officer Toribio stopped his vehicle and began to approach the man. He asked the man if he could talk with him for a moment. The man did not respond and began to run away while reaching into his waistband. Officer Toribio decided to run alongside the man and at one point asked him why he was running. This went on for several blocks until the man was too tired to continue running and stopped to catch his breath. He yelled at Officer Toribio, “You can’t stop me,” and then he started running again. Officer Toribio then watched as the man removed a fixed blade knife from his waistband and tossed it to the ground.”
The officer ordered the man to stop. According to police, the man was too tired to continue on and the officer arrested him.
A search revealed the man also possessed methamphetamine and marijuana, police alleged. He was transported to San Benito County Jail where he was booked on recommended charges of possessing a controlled substance, possessing a concealed weapon, possessing marijuana and a probation violation.
The police department is asking residents who know anything about the incident to call (831) 636-4330 or anonymously at 800-78-CRIME, which may qualify for a reward.
