HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – September 22, 2012, –On September 22, 2012, Hollister Police Officers arrested five suspects after they fled the scene of a severe beating and shooting on Caputo Court. The suspects led officers in a vehicle pursuit that ended with the recovery of a gun and arrests for gang crimes and conspiracy.
At about 4:00 a.m., SCR911 received a call of a large fight in progress on the 1000 block of Caputo Court. Officer Erik Morris arrived in the area and noticed a vehicle with no lights on pulling up to the intersection of Caputo Ct. and Memorial Dr. At that moment, a gunshot was heard and the vehicle sped away, at a high rate of speed, northbound through the red light at Sunnyslope Rd and Memorial Dr. Officer Morris gave chase to the vehicle until it stopped at Hillcrest Rd.
Officer Morris discovered the vehicle was occupied by witnesses and the victim of a severe beating. A Hispanic male adult was suffering from being kicked, punched and having glass bottles broken about his head and face. Witnesses described a group of gang members at a party on Caputo Court asking the victim where he was from. When he answered he was not from Hollister, approximately 10-15 gang members began to beat him. Friends of the victim got him into the car to take him away when they were shot at by the suspects.
As Officer Morris was talking to the witnesses and waiting for medical personnel, he noticed a suspicious vehicle drive by. Believing they might be the suspects in this case, he asked responding police units to contact the occupants of that car. Officer Michael Paddy located the car and attempted to make a car stop. The vehicle refused to stop and led Officer Paddy in a vehicle pursuit. SBSO Deputy Mike Mull joined the pursuit that ended when the suspect vehicle came to a stop in the alley behind Chase Bank on Tres Pinos Road. Three occupants ran from the vehicle. Officer Paddy noticed one of them had a gun in his hand and gave chase to the suspect as Deputy Mull detained four other suspects at gunpoint in the car.
SBSO Sergeant Kelly Burbank was monitoring the pursuit and came in through the opposite side of the alley from behind the businesses. Sgt. Burbank and Ofc. Paddy cornered the suspect with the gun and were able to take him into custody without any further incident. Two other suspects were able to jump fences and get away. A search of the area did not reveal their location.
The occupants of the car were identified by witnesses as the suspects in the beating and shooting.
The following suspects were arrested and booked at the San Benito County Jail:
Jacob Vargas (21) was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. David Villarreal (24) was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy. Stephanie Fernandez (19) was arrested for evading police, accessory and conspiracy. Larry Quiroz (20) was arrested for attempted murder, carrying a loaded firearm, being a felon with a firearm, being a gang member with a firearm, resisting arrest and conspiracy.
One additional 16 year old suspect was booked at the San Benito County Juvenile Hall for assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy.
Additional gang related charges are pending as the investigation continues.
The victim was taken via helicopter to a bay area hospital. His condition is not known at this time.
Information revealed there was a large party at the Caputo Court address and the gang members were there for several hours prior to the assault and shooting. However, many of the witnesses contacted by police refused to provide statements or cooperate. SCR911 received additional calls after the shooting of several people jumping fences, running away or hiding in the area. California Highway Patrol Officers assisted with securing the area and providing back-up to Hollister Police Units during the processing of the crime scene.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTIP at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may result in an award of up to $1,000.
Prepared by: Carlos Reynoso, Captain
Approved by: Dave Westrick, Interim Chief of Police
