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Hollister Police Officers arrested three suspects Jan. 30 related to being in possession of loaded firearms. In the arrest announcement, HPD also thanks the individuals who reported the activity to police.Â
On the night of Jan. 30, 2018, at about 9:00 p.m., Hollister Police Officers “received a report of several young men drinking alcoholic beverages and displaying handguns at the parking lot of Jack in the Box Restaurant” (at 391 McCray Street).
Police found five males in and around a vehicle, conducted an investigation and “found Daniel Villagomez (20) and Alfred Valencia (19), in possession of loaded concealed handguns,” the report stated. Both suspects were taken into custody without incident. Officers say that they found ammunition in the vehicle, and later identified one of the firearms as stolen.
The report states that two juveniles were contacted and released to their parents. Daniel Villagomez was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm, having a firearm concealed in a vehicle and possession of stolen property.
Alfred Valenica was arrested and charged with carrying a loaded firearm, concealing a firearm in a vehicle and obstruction. The driver of the vehicle, Jose Astorga (20) was arrested and charged with allowing firearms in his vehicle.
The statement about the incident also included the following comment from Hollister Police Department, “Law Enforcement depends on its partnership with the community including people willing to come forward and report crimes. It is with their help that we can achieve our mutual goal to make Hollister a safer community. The Hollister Police Department would like to thank those citizens who called police to advise us of this dangerous situation.”
Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Yerena at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
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