Hollister Police say a 33-year-old transient suspect attempted to carjack two vehicles and fought with their drivers before police arrived and arrested him around 5:10 a.m. on Aug. 18.

Officers were dispatched to the Safeway Gas Station at 591 Tres Pinos Rd. on a report of an attempted carjacking. Dispatchers advised that a man had attempted to carjack two cars and had fought with two drivers. They described the carjacking suspect as a white male adult wearing a long-sleeved sweater and jeans.

The first officer arrived on scene and located a man matching the description, according to a press release. The man quickly approached the officer and told the officer he had a weapon, police said, noting that the officer attempted to search him and he pulled away from the officer and took a fighting stance. The man was tasered when he refused to comply and began to charge the officer with clenched fists.

After a short struggle, the man was taken into custody. He was identified as Austin Downing, 33, a transient with no previous police contacts in Hollister.

Officers later spoke with two victims who described Downing approaching them and opening their car doors and attempting to take their vehicles. In both instances, the victims reportedly fought back against Downing’s attempts. Downing was arrested on two counts of attempted carjacking and one count of resisting and obstructing a police officer.

Anyone having information on this case is asked to call Officer Tong 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.