Two juveniles arrested after high-speed chase

On Saturday, March 14, two male teens, ages 14 and 17, driving a vehicle one of them had allegedly stolen the night before, were arrested by Hollister Police after a 10-minute pursuit throughout the streets of Hollister. No one was injured and no property was damaged. 

At about 3:40 a.m., an HPD sergeant driving on San Juan Road saw a silver Honda Accord driving with its high beams on. The driver failed to dim his lights for the sergeant, so Officer Luis Toribio, who was stopped nearby, attempted to pull over the Honda. The driver of the Honda failed to yield to Toribio’s red lights. As the Honda sped away east on Fourth Street, police say the front passenger began throwing contraband out of the window. During the pursuit, officers learned the Honda was stolen. 

The pursuit wound its way throughout most of downtown Hollister, out to Union Road and back into town on Pinnacles National Park Highway. The pursuit reached speeds of up to 100 mph. The driver of the Honda, the 17-year-old, pulled over on Pinnacles National Park Highway between Hillcrest Road and Meridian Street. The 14-year-old passenger attempted to run away, but was quickly apprehended by officers. 

Police say the 17-year-old admitted to stealing the Honda and was taken to Juvenile Hall on violations of recklessly evading police in a vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools, and violating probation. The 14-year-old was taken to Juvenile Hall on violations of destruction of evidence and violating probation. Police say both juveniles are known affiliates of the Norteno street gang. The Honda was returned to its owner. It is unknown if the Honda was used in any other crimes, but police are checking with neighboring jurisdictions. 

Police believe the contraband thrown from the vehicle during the pursuit was marijuana and possibly a handgun. A witness said he saw a handgun thrown from the fleeing vehicle, but an unknown person retrieved it immediately afterward. A baggie containing remnants of marijuana and a crushed marijuana pipe were recovered by police. 

Anyone having information on this case is asked to call the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.