Police arrested a Hollister man who was carrying drugs and an illegal firearm in his vehicle, according to authorities.
About 12:50am Sept. 23, Hollister Police Officer Evan Umstead was on patrol in the area of the 1000 block of Meridian Street when he pulled over a car for a vehicle code violation, reads a Sept. 28 press release.
When Umstead contacted the driver of the vehicle, he noticed a “very strong odor of marijuana” coming from inside, police said. Umstead continued investigating and determined the driver, Joey Jimenez, 18, was driving under the influence of drugs. Jimenez was placed under arrest.
As Umstead searched Jimenez, he found what appeared to be cocaine in the suspect’s possession, according to police. The officer also searched the vehicle and found a short barreled, loaded shotgun. This type of firearm is “strictly prohibited” in California.
Jimenez was booked at San Benito County Jail on suspicion of possession of a short-barreled rifle, possession of a controlled substance while armed, being under the influence of a controlled substance while armed, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug and possession of a controlled substance, police said.
Anyone with information about this incident can call Umstead 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.
