Chief O’Connor Guides Police to Suspect
HOLLISTER—The Hollister Police Department arrested an under-age DUI suspect after he collided with a parked car on South Street in Hollister on Sunday Night. Arrested for driving under the influence and hit and run was 20-year-old Hollister resident Mauro Merino.
Sunday, February 1 at 9:50 pm, Police were dispatched to a hit and run collision that had occurred on South Street. Witnesses stated that the car had collided with a parked car.
South Street in Hollister
Hollister Fire Chief Mike O’Conner, who was responding to the accident, saw the suspected vehicle driving down Monterey Street. He notified responding officers that he was following a vehicle that had corresponding damage to that of the car involved in the accident. He guided Officers to Washington Street where the suspect parked the car and fled on foot.
Hollister Police set up a perimeter around the area and the suspect was eventually found hiding in a garage on Grubb Alley. The suspect was identified as Mauro Merino.
Merino displayed symptoms of intoxication. He was transported to Hazel Hopkins Hospital for medical clearance. After receiving clearance, Hollister Police transported Merino to San Benito County Jail where he was booked on charges of suspicion of driving under the influence and hit and run.
Mauro Merino-De Jesus had been arrested in April of last year on charges of driving without a valid license and under the influence of alcohol.
The Hollister Police would like to thank Fire Chief O’Conner for his diligence and assistance in the apprehension of the DUI suspect. They are asking that anyone having information about this incident to call the Hollister Police at 831-636-4330.
