Police arrest a man and woman after an officer chased a suspect and struggled with the man for control of a handgun.
According to a Hollister police statement:
On March 25, 2017, Officer Yamamoto was on patrol in the area of Third Street when he saw known gang member and probationer, Jose Vega (19) walking carrying something in a bag. Officer Yamamoto attempted to stop and speak with Vega to ensure he was in compliance with his probation terms. Vega quickly ran away from Officer Yamamoto through the Community Center Parking lot and westbound through Fremont Alley.
Officer Yamamoto chased Vega until they reached a residence on the 300 block of Locust Avenue. Vega ran toward the open front door but tripped and fell near the front door step. As Officer Yamamoto was attempting to detain the suspect, Vega violently resisted and reached into his waistband and produced a handgun. Officer Yamamoto and Vega fought for control of the gun. Vega had a firm grip of the gun and would not release it.
There were several people in the home who yelled at Officer Yamamoto to get off Vega. As Officer Yamamoto and Vega struggled just inches away from the doorway, Vega tossed the gun just inside the entryway and the front door was slammed closed. After tossing the gun into the home, Vega was taken into custody.
Residents at the home refused to allow police to enter the home to retrieve the gun. The police were in the process of freezing the house to obtain a search warrant when it was revealed a female, later identified as Vega’s girlfriend, Roxanne Mattos (22), was the person who had picked up the gun and shut the front door to the residence. The gun was later found hidden in the back yard of the house.
Vega and Mattos were both placed under arrest. Vega was charged with Possession of the loaded firearm in public, possession of a concealed firearm, a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, destroying evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm with serial numbers removed and a probation violation. Mattos was charged with concealing evidence.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Officer Yamamoto at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
