Hollister police officers arrested a Washington man early this
morning after he brandished an imitation gun at Whiskey Creek
Saloon and attempted to escape through the bathroom window,
according to police. After barricading himself in the women’s
bathroom and trying to escape through the window, Garcia ran from
the bathroom to behind the bar and fell to the ground, where he was
tased.
HOLLISTER
Hollister police officers arrested a Washington man early this morning after he brandished an imitation gun at Whiskey Creek Saloon and attempted to escape through the bathroom window, according to police.
Randy L. Garcia, 19, was arrested on suspicion of brandishing a fictitious weapon and other charges. A 42-year-old Hollister man with him at the time also was arrested on suspicion of attempting to interfere with police during the arrest, according to the Hollister Police Department.
Officers were dispatched to the downtown bar around 1:15 a.m. on the report of a suspect brandishing a weapon.
Before officers arrived, Garcia on two occasions had dropped the fake handgun – which police later confirmed was a replica – from his waistband onto the Whiskey Creek bar floor. He then had been wielding it in the bar shortly before officers arrived.
Police on arrival saw the suspect matching the description and approached him, but he quickly fled to the back of the bar while holding something in his waistband, according to police. After barricading himself in the women’s bathroom and trying to escape through the window, Garcia ran from the bathroom to behind the bar and fell to the ground, according to police.
He continued to resist officers’ efforts and refused to show his hands. Police used a TASER to gain control of the man while about a dozen patrons and bar staff members were outside watching.
As officers gained control of Garcia, they arrested Jose G. Gutierrez on suspicion of interfering with their efforts.
Garcia was booked into the San Benito County Jail on suspicion of delaying and obstructing officers and brandishing a fictitious firearm.
Anyone with information regarding this or other incidents is requested to call the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Persons can also report information anonymously through WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME.
