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Ricardo Ruben Perez Jr., whose father is former Hollister City Council member Rick Perez, was arrested on multiple charges in Hollister following a high speed pursuit that originated in Gilroy in the early morning hours of July 19.
According to Gilroy Police’s public dashboard, the younger Perez Jr., 26, was arrested at 5:36 a.m. on charges of vehicle theft, evading a peace officer and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.
According to reports, he was detained after a vehicle pursuit that led law enforcement throughout town including on Sunnyslope Road, Meridian Street and Westside Boulevard. Gilroy Police and the California Highway Patrol were also involved in the pursuit.
It is unclear if the vehicle Perez drove was owned by his father, who drives a similar vehicle. According to a witness at the site of the collision, Rick Perez arrived at the scene and notified law enforcement it was his truck.
Rick Perez said he had no comment about the incident, but said he wanted to thank the Hollister Police Department and surrounding agencies for working together to keep the community safe.
Hollister Police Department Sgt. Dave Anderson said he could not provide any information and referred BenitoLink to City Manager Ana Cortez’ office saying the city has ordered all media calls to be directed there.
Hollister city analyst Leah Calderon said the pursuit began in Gilroy and ended with Perez colliding with three parked vehicles near Line Street and Westside Boulevard. Perez, the lone passenger, then fled on foot from the scene but was apprehended by officers near Line and Seventh streets, she said.
She said the pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and that there were no injuries reported.
The Gilroy Police Department did not immediately respond to BenitoLink’s request for information.
According to San Benito County Superior Court records, the younger Perez had an outstanding arrest warrant, active since July 2, for failing to report to probation for four different scheduled office visits as required by his post release community supervision terms.
According to the warrant order, Perez was convicted in May 2025 of bringing controlled substances into a prison and was sentenced to two years in prison. The order states he was released on supervision in September 2025.
While his father served on the city council, the younger Perez’s battle with addiction was brought to public view when Rick Perez was found to have violated the city’s code of ethics.
The former councilmember has also been open about his own criminal background that includes convictions on charges of corporal injury to a child in 2011, and assault and battery misdemeanors in 2012.
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