Police and sheriff’s deputies arrested a wanted Hollister man earlier this week after a scuffle ensued at a Valley View Road apartment complex laundry room and the suspect pulled out a handgun, while the incident resulted in minor injuries for some involved.
Officers Monday arrested Luis H. Garcia, 28, of Hollister, on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, possession of narcotics for sale and other felony charges, according to police.
According to a statement released by police, officers around midnight Monday were called to an apartment complex in the 1500 block of Valley View Road alleging that non-residents were loitering in one of the laundry rooms. Officers came into contact with Garcia inside the laundry room, and he struck the officer as he tried to flee, according to a statement from Hollister police.
According to police:
Officers attempted to arrest Garcia and he began a violent struggle in which he assaulted two Hollister Police Officers. A San Benito County Sheriff’s Deputy with his K9 partner responded to assist. Garcia also assaulted the Deputy and battered the K9. Officers used their TASER’s but the suspect continued to resist arrest. The Deputy deployed his K9 partner and the suspect continued to resist. During the struggle, the suspect withdrew a handgun from his waist and pointed it at the officers. Officers were able to disarm the suspect and place him in handcuffs.
The investigation revealed the suspect is a documented criminal street gang member, was a wanted parolee-at-large since early 2011 and has repeatedly fled from officers and deputies over the last year. Officers recovered several packages of narcotics that were discarded by the suspect during the arrest.
Officers involved were treated for minor injuries and returned to work. The suspect was treated for injuries as a result of his attempted escape and several bites from the K9. The suspect was later booked into San Benito County Jail.
Among the recommended charges for the suspect are resisting arrest, assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of a concealed firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia and felon in possession of a firearm. His bail is $331,000.
Hollister Police Department and the San Benito County Sheriffs Office collaborated in their response to bring this incident to a safe conclusion.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call Officer Leland at (831) 636-4330. People wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
