Hollister Police arrested three people in possession of concealed handguns in separate incidents in recent days, according to authorities.
The first incident occurred about 10:16pm Feb. 8. A Hollister police officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Third Street and San Benito Street. During the stop, Daniel Perez III, 21 of Hollister, admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the car, police said.
A subsequent search of Perez and the passenger, Emily Vaca, 38 of Gilroy, revealed that Vaca was carrying a handgun concealed on her person, according to police. Vaca and Perez were both booked at San Benito County Jail on suspicion of weapons and drug charges.
Another incident occurred about 9pm Feb. 9, when detectives were out working a “proactive enforcement detail” in Hollister, police said. Two detectives attempted to stop a vehicle in the 600 block of Central Avenue for a traffic violation. The vehicle fled at a high speed, running stop signs and driving recklessly.
The officers pursued the vehicle to the 200 block of San Lorenzo Drive. The driver stopped the vehicle and all occupants were detained without incident, police said.
A loaded handgun was found in the driver’s door pocket of the vehicle, according to police. The driver, Fernando Chavez, 18 of Hollister, was arrested and booked at the county jail on suspicion of fleeing from officers and possession of a concealed handgun.
Anyone with information about these incidents can call the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
