Police / Fire

San Benito County sees two Thanksgiving Day gun-related incidents

HPD is investigating a reported shooting while the Sheriff’s Department makes an illegal weapons arrest.
Photo courtesy of the San Benito County Sheriff's Department.
Photo courtesy of the San Benito County Sheriff's Department.
Photo courtesy of Hollister Police Department.
Photo courtesy of Hollister Police Department.

This article was written by BenitoLink intern Juliana Luna

 

San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and Hollister Police Department had an eventful Thanksgiving Day as they made a weapons arrest and responded to an unrelated shooting. 

On Nov. 24 at 3:40 a.m. during a traffic stop near Hillcrest Road and Memorial Drive, Deputy Hayden Turpin arrested and took into custody a driver on suspicion of illegal weapons possession. 

Undersheriff Tom Keylon identified the driver as a 21-year-old male. 

“During a traffic stop and located in his vehicle was the AR rifle and several rounds of light ammunition and also high capacity magazines for the rifle,” said Keylon. “Deputies are looking more into the suspect. But at the time there was no indication to show that he had anything to do with gangs.”

The driver was charged with unlawfully owning an assault weapon, owning a gun without a serial number, having a large-capacity magazine and a short-barreled rifle.

In another case, Hollister police are investigating a shooting near the intersection of San Felipe and Santa Ana Road. Sergeant Don Pershall told BenitoLink an argument arose between a pedestrian and a vehicle approximately at 10:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 near the QuickStop gas station.

According to HPD social media, an unknown subject in a white SUV fired a gun four times in the direction of a subject that was on foot in the area.

“It’s still under investigation. At this point no one was arrested,” said Pershall. “We do have some suspect leads, but it’s all under investigation.”

HPD asks if anyone has information regarding this incident, they may call 831-636-4331.

 

 

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Juliana Luna

Juliana Luna is Hollister born and raised. She recently graduated from San Benito High School, 2021. Currently attending Gavilan College where she plans to earn her Business Associate’s Degree to transfer to a four-year university. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Pinnacles National Park, and horse riding.