Early in the morning of July 22, Hollister Police officers engaged in a vehicle pursuit through the city and areas of San Benito County, resulting in the arrest of four suspects on various charges related to the pursuit, outstanding warrants, evidence related charges, and possession of burglary tools.
Around 1:20 a.m., Officers Luis Toribio and Robert Hernandez were in the 100 block of San Felipe Rd., when they observed a vehicle heading southbound. The vehicle was traveling in violation of the vehicle code. The officers attempted a traffic enforcement stop on the vehicle, but the car refused to stop and a pursuit ensued.
The suspect vehicle continued on San Benito Street, Union Road, and through various areas of San Benito County, then back into the City of Hollister. The occupants could be seen throwing various items from the vehicle throughout the course of the pursuit. The pursuit ended in the 800 block of Bonnie View Road.
Police arrested Christopher Montoya, 28, of Gilroy, Andrea Quintero, 39, of Santa Clara, Stephen Lee, 25, of Salinas, and Miguel Aguayo-Cesena, 26, of Gilroy. Their charges include evading a peace officer with willful disregard, conspiracy to commit a crime, destruction of evidence, and possession of burglary tools. In addition, Lee was discovered to have a warrant for a parole violation. All four suspects are housed at the San Benito County Jail.
“Given the various cities in which the suspects all reside, we are considering the prospect that this was a traveling burglary ‘crew’. We are working with allied agencies in the region to tie this group to burglaries and stolen vehicle reports currently being investigated by surrounding agencies,” said Hollister Police Chief David Westrick. “This is an example of how the style of proactive policing we employ at the Hollister Police Department results in arrests with larger and regional impact.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Officer Luis Toribio at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.