Police arrest two for possession of firearm during traffic stop

Information provided by the Hollister Police Department.

The Hollister Police Department announced on Jan. 18 the arrest of two local men for possession of a firearm.

On Jan. 17 around 10:43 p.m. Officer Evan Umstead was on patrol in the area of Rajakovich Drive and Fourth Street. A police press release on the incident states he attempted to stop a vehicle for a code violation, but it sped off. The vehicle came to a stop at a business located on Fourth Street and two of four occupants ran out of the car and into the business.

Other officers arrived to assist and Officer Umstead went into the business and noticed one of the suspects exiting the women’s bathroom, the release states, and he was able to detain them both.     

According to the release, Officer Umstead and Officer Melgoza searched the area and found a handgun had been discarded into a trashcan, located inside of the women’s restroom. The gun was fully loaded, the police press release said.

Police identified the two suspects in this case as being Hollister residents Jose Concepcion Rodriguez, 28, and Eusebio Rojas, 25.

The press release states that Rodriguez was charged with carrying a loaded firearm in public, carrying a loaded firearm while being a documented gang member, and carrying a loaded weapon, not registered to him. Rojas was charged with allowing a loaded firearm in his vehicle and driving on a suspended license. The other two occupants of the car were released at the scene. 

Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact Officer Evan Umstead at (831) 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.