Suspect arrested in Hollister’s 4th of July drive-by shooting
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Hollister Police announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to the 4th of July drive-by shooting that took place on San Benito Street.
Police saying that they continued pursuing the case with the assistance of city-owned surveillance cameras as well as the department's Flock Safety system, which is what helped police detect the suspect's vehicle.
"Detectives further identified the front passenger, reported by the victims as the shooter, through footage captured by the city’s downtown surveillance network," they said.
Police saying that during the course of the investigation, they issued over six search warrants and finally on August 6, were able to arrest 30-year-old Ruben Eduardo Vargas of Hollister.
Police say that Vargas was arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail for attempted murder.
Hollister Police searching for 4th of July drive-by shooting suspect, community reacts
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The Hollister community is shaken up. Many of them are still unsettled after a drive-by shooting on Friday, the 4th of July.
"I thought it was fireworks at first, but later on, when I came out, it didn't turn out to be fireworks,” says Christian Mendoza, who recalls hearing the shots.
Authorities are still in search of the suspect involved in the shooting that left a 15-year-old with non-life-threatening injuries.
Hollister police said the incident took place Friday, July 4, on the 1000 block of San Benito Street. Police report that a white sedan with dark-tinted windows shot towards a dark blue Chevrolet truck parked nearby. The 15-year-old sustained an injury to the head, likely caused by shattered glass. Neighbors nearby are saying these types of incidents should not take place in their community.
“It started feeling a little bit unsafe,” says Christian, who moved into the community with his parents about six years ago. “A couple of years ago, there started being incidents like shootings and stuff like that. Not necessarily near where I live, but in this town,” he adds.
Christian's dad, Mateo, says their community is usually quiet and not much happens. “I was home enjoying the Fourth of July when I heard some gunshots. I knew they weren't fireworks. The community needs more patrolling. We have to be alert,” he adds.
Detectives say the suspect is still at large. They ask the community to share any details by calling Hollister police at (831) 636-4330. Those who choose to remain anonymous can report to the authorities by calling (800) 78-CRIME.
