A Hollister man accused of possessing a firearm and drug charges after an early August foot pursuit has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Adam Mendoza, 35 at the time of his August arrest, was charged by the district attorney’s office with felonies alleging possession of a controlled substance while armed, manufacturing a deadly weapon and possessing ammunition. Additionally, he faces misdemeanor charges alleging he’s a felon who purchased a firearm, resisting an officer, driving with privileges revoked, and possessing a controlled substance paraphernalia, according to records.
He had been scheduled for a preliminary setting at 4 p.m. Nov. 15 at the San Benito County Courthouse before Judge Steven Sanders, according to records. That hearing is where parties could schedule a preliminary hearing where a judge decides if there’s enough evidence for a trial.
But Mendoza waived his right to a preliminary hearing. That means he will either move toward a trial or a plea agreement of some kind.
His next hearing is an arraignment set for 9 a.m. Dec. 6 at the San bEnito County Courthouse. He is represented by attorney Pamela Brown.
According to the Hollister Police Department arrest report from August:
On August 1, 2018, at about 03:37 A.M., Officer Juan Guevara was on patrol in the downtown area when he attempted to stop a vehicle for a vehicle code violation. The vehicle did not immediately stop, but turned onto Second Street then East Street.
The suspect vehicle stopped and the driver got out of the car and ran northbound on East Street. Officer Guevara chased after him on foot for several yards while the man was discarding items while he attempted to get away. Officer Guevara caught the man just prior to Santa Ana Road and placed him under arrest.
Upon searching the suspect, Officer Guevara found a large amount of cash, brass knuckles, and suspected methamphetamine on his person. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. The man was identified as being Hollister resident, Adam Mendoza (35).
Officer Guevara then went back to attempt to locate the items that had been discarded by Mendoza. Officer Guevara located Mendoza’s cell phone and semi-automatic pistol. The firearm was loaded and another magazine that matched the magazine found in the firearm was found inside of the suspect vehicle along with more cash and more suspected Methamphetamine.
Mendoza was transported to the San Benito County Jail where he was booked for possessing a loaded firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in public, destroying or concealing evidence, obstruct an officer, transportation of a controlled substance/ sales, possession of brass knuckles, driving on a suspended license and possessing unlawful drug paraphernalia.
Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact Officer Juan Guevara 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.
Firearm, drug suspect chased by police waives preliminary hearing
