Two men arrested, more sought after partiers allegedly attack police

Police officers responding to help break up a private party on Sept. 11 at the Elk’s Lodge at the Hollister Airport were allegedly attacked by a group of men who police say “swarmed the officers and began kicking, punching and jumping on” them.

Two men, Ronald Scott Martin, 52, and Alexander James Naccarato, 47, were arrested for assaulting an officer. Police say the investigation is ongoing and they are seeking assault charges on at least three more individuals who ran away that night. The man that initially struck the officer has been identified and a warrant is pending for his arrest. Two others are described as heavyset Hispanic or white males. Police believe many of those attending the private party know the identity of the men that assaulted the officers and are asking for assistance in identifying them. 

At about 11:30 p.m. Hollister Police officers were called to the lodge located on the 300 block of Astro Drive after security officers there advised that there had been fights in the party and several people were heavily intoxicated. They estimated more than 120 people were in attendance for a private party. 

Officers from the Hollister Police Department, the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol responded to assist. Police say officers were standing by while security personnel turned off the music, turned on the lights and asked everyone to leave the building. A man then allegedly approached a police officer and struck him. The officer pushed the man away and another man grabbed the officer around his neck, according to police. As officers attempted to arrest the second man, a large group of men swarmed the officers and began kicking, punching and jumping on the officers. 

Other officers assisting the first officer were also attacked, police officials said in a press release. At one point, a policeman was being punched while another man jumped on his back and tried to put the officer in a headlock. Several of the partiers also assisted in pulling away the suspects from police and assisted in their escape. 

Several other fights broke out in the parking lot among the partiers and police were pelted with rocks as people left the party. 

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Sgt. Ray Celano 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.