Hollister police allege that a large party at the Hollister Elks Lodge resulted in officers being assaulted when they tried to break it up, according to the Hollister Police Department in a statement released Thursday.
Police alleged that on Friday they were called to the Elks Lodge on Astro Drive for a party of about 120 people that had resulted in heavy intoxication and fights. When security personnel told attendees to leave the building, someone approached a police officer and struck him, police alleged. Another officer tried to assist and was assaulted by the group as well, police alleged.
Police arrested Ronald Scott Martin, 52, and Alexander James Naccarato, 47, on suspicion of related charges but are seeking three other suspects who evaded authorities.
According to the full statement:
On September 11, 2015, Hollister Police Officers were called to help break up a party at the Elks lodge. While officers were there, they were attacked by a group of men.
At about 11:30 pm Hollister Officers were called to the Elks Lodge located on the 300 block of Astro Drive. Security officers at the lodge advised there had been fights in the party and several people were heavily intoxicated. They estimated over 120 people were in attendance for a private party.
Officers from the Hollister Police Department, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol responded to assist. Officers were standing by while security personnel turned off the music turned on the lights and asked everyone to leave the building.
A man approached a Hollister officer and struck him. The officer pushed the man away and another man grabbed the officer around his neck. As officers attempted to arrest the second man, a large group of men swarmed the officers and began kicking, punching and jumping on the officers.
Other officers assisting the first officer were also attacked. At one point, a Hollister Officer was being punched while another man jumped on his back and tried to put the officer in a headlock. Several of the partiers also assisted in pulling away the suspects from police and assisted in their escape.
Several other fights broke out in the parking lot among the partiers and police were pelted with rocks as people left the party.
Two men, Ronald Scott Martin (52) and Alexander James Naccarato (47) was arrested for assaulting an officer. The investigation is still ongoing and police are seeking assault charges on at least 3 more individuals that ran away that night. The man that initially struck the officer has been identified and a warrant is pending for his arrest. Two others are described as heavy set Hispanic or white males. Police believe many of those attending the private party know the identity of the men that assaulted the officers and are asking for assisting in identifying them.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Sgt. Ray Celano at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
