Hollister Police Department officers arrested three suspects on January 30 related to being in possession of loaded firearms.
Around 9 p.m., police received a report of several young men drinking alcoholic beverages and displaying handguns in the parking lot of Jack in the Box at 391 McCray Street.
When officers arrived, they contacted five males found in and around a vehicle. Police officers conducted an investigation and found Daniel Villagomez, 20, and Alfred Valencia, 19, in possession of loaded concealed handguns. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident.
Officers found ammunition in the vehicle, and later learned one of the firearms was stolen. Two juveniles were also contacted and released to their parents.
Villagomez was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm, having a firearm concealed in a vehicle, and possession of stolen property. Valencia was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm, concealing a firearm in a vehicle, and obstruction.
The driver of the vehicle, Jose Astorga, 20, was arrested and charged with allowing firearms in his vehicle.
Law enforcement depends on its partnership with the community, including people willing to come forward and report crimes. It is with their help that the Hollister Police Department can achieve the mutual goal to make Hollister a safer community. The department would like to thank those citizens who called police to advise of the dangerous situation.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Yerena at the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
