On October 1, Hollister police arrested Michael Smith, 38, on the 500 block of Tres Pinos Road after they alleged he ran from a traffic stop. He was arrested on recommended charges of suspected possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest and parole violation, according to the Hollister Police Department.
At about 10 p.m., according to a statement from police, Officer Bo Leland attempted to stop a vehicle on the 1700 block of Airline Highway for a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as Michael Smith, drove into the parking lot of Burger King and into the drive-thru exit before he abandoned the car and fled on foot.
According to the police statement:
“Officer Leland chased Smith on foot across Airline Highway, then north toward the intersection of Airline Highway and Tres Pinos Road. Smith then ran across the busy highway again and ran through a dirt lot and then to McCray St. Officer Leland continued the foot pursuit while advising other responding officers of Smith’s direction of travel. Smith then ran into the parking lot of Neighborhood Pizza before becoming exhausted and giving up. Smith was taken into custody without any further incident. A search of Smith revealed he was in possession of methamphetamine.”
Smith was booked at the San Benito County Jail while suspected of possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest and a parole violation. He is being held without bail under a hold by state parole.
Police alleged it was not the first time Smith tried running from authorities this year. On January 1, in the early morning hours, Smith fled from San Benito County deputies and Hollister police officers after a deputy attempted to stop him for a vehicle code violation. That high-speed pursuit ended at the intersection of Line and Seventh streets when Smith rode his motorcycle into a curb and was ejected.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. People wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may result in an award of up to $1,000.
