HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA –October 21, 2019 – On October 18, 2019, Officers investigated a hit and run collision where the driver fled the scene leaving behind two small children in the car. The driver was subsequently arrested for multiple charges.
On October 18, 2019 at about 8:30 pm, Officers responded to a report of a collision near Highland Drive and Diablo Drive. When officers arrived, witnesses described the suspect vehicle had collided with a parked car and the driver continued down the street before stopping.
The owner of the parked car came out and contacted the driver and noticed there were three children in the car (later determined to be ages 7, 4 and 1 year old). The owner of the parked vehicle told the driver to wait for police but the driver bit the woman in the arm prior to running away from the area. The oldest of the children fled with the driver but the 4 year old and the 1 year old were left behind.
While officers were searching the area of the nearby apartments for the driver, the driver came back to the scene. The driver was identified as Lizette Yesenia Aguilar (23) of Hollister. Police later determined she was the mother of the two younger children left behind.
Aguilar displayed signs of intoxication and refused to cooperate with police. Aguilar resisted arrest and spat on officers as they attempted to take her into custody. Due to her intoxicated state, Aguilar had to be taken to Hazel Hawkins Hospital for medical clearance where she continued to be verbally abusive toward medical staff, resist officers and kicked Officers several times.
Aguilar was subsequently booked at the San Benito County Jail for suspicion of Driving while Under the Influence, Leaving the scene of a vehicle collision, Child endangerment, Child abandonment and battery on an officer.
Officers were able to locate family members to come to the scene of the collision to take custody of the children. Child Protection Services was contacted and made aware of the incident for follow up.
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Nereyda Burbank at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
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Prepared by: Don Pershall, Sergeant
Approved by: Carlos Reynoso, Captain
