On Monday, Dec. 19, Hollister Police officers responded to a report of a man saying his life was in danger.  When officers arrived, police say the man became violent with them which resulted in a struggle and injuries to the officers and the suspect.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., emergency dispatch received a call from a man wanting to speak with officers in regards to him feeling his life was in danger. The man advised his name was Ery Hernandez, age 27, and was on his way to speak with officers. Dispatchers asked him to go to the police department. Instead, Hernandez went to the San Benito County Juvenile Hall, located at 708 Flynn Rd. He was allowed into the secured lobby area by staff and he again requested to speak with the police. Officers arrived and spoke with him to determine how they could help him, according to a police press release. 

Here is the rest of the account, from the press release:

Hernandez told the officers he wanted to speak with the FBI. He told them he and his family were in danger and described individuals driving by his house with guns. He continued to make incoherent statements about the “mob” having a “hit” on him and his family. He appeared fidgety and very nervous and would begin to cry at times.

Hernandez showed signs indicative of being under the influence of drugs. Officers attempted to conduct an evaluation of Hernandez to determine if he was under the influence of drugs but he did not respond to instructions.

Based on the actions and displayed symptoms of Hernandez, officers attempted to take him into custody for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Hernandez immediately became combative, pulled away, kicked and punched at the officers. Officers made several attempts to use their Taser and pepper spray to safely take Hernandez into custody but they were ineffective. Officers reported Hernandez simply wiped away the pepper spray from his face and continued to take a fighting stance while yelling at them.

During the struggle, Hernandez pulled the radio from one of the officers, tore their uniform and grabbed at his utility belt attempting to pull out his equipment. It appeared to officers; Hernandez was displaying symptoms of someone under the influence of drugs rendering them unable to feel pain.

After a struggle that lasted several minutes and officers having to use a baton to strike Hernandez as he kicked and punched at them, additional officers arrived on scene to assist. Hernandez was taken to Hazel Hawkins Hospital for medical evaluation. Hernandez was later released to medical staff for treatment for injuries sustained during the struggle.

The two officers were also treated and released for injuries sustained during the struggle. The Hollister Police Department will forward a report of the incident to the District Attorney’s Office with recommendation for two charges of battery of a police officer with injury, being under the influence of a controlled substance, threatening an officer in the performance of his duty and resisting arrest.

Anyone having information on this case or the other pending investigations is asked to call 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.