Hollister police officers on Friday arrested two men and a juvenile female for possession of a loaded stolen handgun found in a vehicle at 5 p.m. According to a police statement, officers arrested Marco Mendoza, 27, and Omar Ortega-Hernandez, 20, who were both found with open alcohol containers in the vehicle. A 17-year-old female juvenile was also in the car.
Hollister Police Department gang officer Matthew Weiss and Officer Carlos Rodriguez found the alleged suspects when they were patrolling as a gang suppression unit. They were performing routine checks when they found several people inside and standing near a parked vehicle in the 1300 block of Westside Boulevard. As they searched the vehicle they found a loaded handgun concealed inside the car. It was later determined to have been reported stolen.
Ortega-Hernandez was booked for possession of stolen property and for being a known gang member carrying a loaded firearm. Mendoza was booked for a parole violation, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being a gang member in possession of a loaded firearm. The juvenile female was booked for being a gang member in possession of a loaded firearm.
The gang suppression check was funded by the city of Hollister CalGRIP grant. The grant is designed to educate the community and parents of children who may be susceptible to gang influence. According to an HPD statement, the investigation is ongoing and anyone with any information related to the investigation is encouraged to call Weiss at 636-4330 ext. 132.
Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
