Suspect Collided With Police Vehicles To Get Away
HOLLISTER—Authorities with the Hollister Police Department arrested wanted suspect 30-year-old Hollister resident Rudy Gonzales after he took them on a short vehicle-pursuit through the streets of Hollister.
On Monday, April 7, Hollister Police School Resource Officer Bo Leland received a call from a San Benito County Probation Officer, who said that wanted suspect Rudy Gonzales was in possession of a stolen vehicle near the 900 block of Memorial Drive. Officer Leland, who was in the area at Sunnyslope Elementary School, and Probation Officer Scimeca witnessed Gonzales in a stolen vehicle at an apartment complex near the school.
As the two officers approached the suspect they commanded Gonzales to exit the vehicle, but Gonzales ignored the commands. He then placed his vehicle in reverse and collided with both the Hollister Police and the San Benito County Probation vehicles in an attempt to get away.
Gonzalez’s pursuit ended on Meridian near Marguerite Maze Middle School.
Gonzales then led them on a short pursuit that ended when he lost control of his vehicle and collided with a tree on Meridian Drive. Officers ordered him, once again, to exit the vehicle, but he did not give up, and tried to escape once again. He exited the vehicle and ran towards Marguerite Maze School.
Officer Leland, now with assistance from fellow officers, was able to quickly detain Gonzales before he could to run into the school. It should be noted that no children were involved in this incident and no injures were reported to either the suspect or officers.
“The School District and The City Of Hollister both share the cost of the School Resource Officer, which provides us with an additional officer to be on duty at times.” Hollister Police Sergeant Rosie Betanio wrote in a press release. “This is just part of our commitment to work closely with our public safety partners.”
Gonzales was transported to San Benito County Jail and booked on Charges of three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting resist, felony evading a peace officer, hit and run, and outstanding warrants.
