Hollister police arrested two young men on suspicion of drug and firearm possession after they attempted to run away on foot during a traffic stop, according to authorities.
About 12:48am Oct. 4, Hollister Police officers were dispatched to the area of Loma Vista Drive and Valley View Road to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle. Two occupants inside the vehicle had reportedly been using narcotics, according to a press release from Hollister Police Department.
As Officer Miguel Masso pulled up to the vehicle to contact the occupants, a man later identified as Mathew Mello, 20, of Hollister, exited the car and began to run away, according to police.
Masso gave chase as Mello jumped several fences before the officer caught up with him, police said. Mello physically struggled to get away and resisted arrest, but was ultimately taken into custody.
The officer further retrieved items Mello allegedly discarded as he ran away, according to authorities. These items included a backpack that contained a handgun, ammunition, drugs and drug packaging material.
The second occupant of the vehicle also fled on foot as officers approached, but he was located close by, police said. He was later identified as Mario Bustamante, 21, of Hollister.
Mello was booked at San Benito County Jail on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance while armed, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded weapon, carrying a concealed firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, possession of controlled substances, resisting arrest and possession of drugs for sale.
Bustamante was booked at the county jail on suspicion of transporting controlled substances, conspiracy to commit a crime, possessing controlled substances, transport and sales of controlled substances and other charges, according to police.
Anyone with information regarding these investigations can contact Hollister PD Officer Miguel Masso at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
