Hollister Man Lands in Hospital After Trying to Evade Police

Rider collides with parked vehicle

HOLLISTER—The Hollister Police have arrested 27–year-old Hollister resident Damian Ivan Rivas for evading police.

Damian Ivan Rivas, 27

At 10 p.m.  Tuesday night, Officer Michael Paddy of the Hollister Police Department observed a motorcycle speeding down San Juan/Hollister road. Officer Paddy decided to pull the rider over.  The rider later identified as Rivas failed to stop.

Rivas attempted to get away from Officer Paddy by driving his motorcycle through a series of residential streets.  As Rivas tried to get away, Officer Paddy followed his every move at a safe distance.

The pursuit came to an end when Rivas lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a parked vehicle on Beresini Drive. Rivas sustained serious injuries from the accident. No other persons were injured in the incident.

Rivas was driving the motorcycle on a suspended license and was on felony probation.  After the initial investigation there was evidence that he was driving the motorcycle under the influence of narcotics.

“It is always a good idea to pulled over and comply with police, when you see the red and blue light behind you,” Hollister Police Captain David Westrick said. “It not worth your life and the lives of others around you when you decide to run from the cops.”

Rivas was still conscious when he was taken by CALSTAR helicopter to a bay area trauma center.  Rivas faces charges of evading arrest and driving under a suspended license.  This case as been forwarded to the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office for review.

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