Courtesy of the Hollister Police Department:
On the morning of July 31, 2020, the Hollister Police Department and allied agencies conducted a search warrant operation in Hollister. The operation was in connection with an attempted homicide which occurred in May of this year.
On the evening of May 23, Hollister Police Officers responded to a report of shots being fired in the area of N. Chappell Road and Pacific Way. When other officers arrived at the scene of the shooting, they discovered there had been two shootings within 10 minutes. Witnesses reported a Red Honda Civic occupied by several men wearing red bandanas, covering their faces. The red Honda drove toward two men who were standing by a parked car. One of the occupants of the red Honda then shot at the car and the two men several times. The men were not shot but the car was hit several times.
A short time later, a black Chevy Tahoe approached the same two men who were now busy changing the flat tire that had just been shot. The driver of the Tahoe shot at the man changing the tire several times, striking him one time. The suspect then fled the scene and was subsequently chased by the police but escaped.
Hollister Police Detectives continued to follow-up in the investigation and obtained a search warrant for a residence in Hollister. Due to the likelihood that weapons were involved, Hollister Police investigators requested the assistance of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
On the morning of July 31, Hollister Police patrol and investigations staff, along with agents from the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, San Benito County Probation, San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and Monterey County Sheriff’s SWAT Team members conducted a search warrant operation on Loma Vista Drive. Subsequently Matthew Mello was arrested and booked for attempted murder, Covicted felon in possession of a firearm, and convicted felon in possession of ammunition.
The Hollister Police Department utilized all available personnel to ensure the safety of the public throughout the course of the search warrant. The Department would like to extend its many thanks to the officers from allied agencies who assisted us with this investigation.
Anyone with information regarding these investigations are requested to contact The Hollister Police Department 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.
