Speeds Reached 100 MPH
HOLLISTER — The Hollister Police Department arrested two teenagers yesterday after they took officers on a ten minute vehicle pursuit through the streets of downtown Hollister. The two teens were driving a stolen car from the night before.
In the early morning hours of March 14, a sergeant from the Hollister Police Department noticed a silver Honda Accord driving with its high beams on. When the sergeant tried to get the driver to dim his high beams, the driver ignored the sergeant and kept driving.
Unfortunately for them, Officer Luis Torbio was nearby and tried to pull over the vehicle, but the driver again failed to stop. As the Honda sped away, a witness reported seeing the front passenger begin to throw what was believed to be marijuana out the window. He also told police that he saw a handgun thrown from the vehicle, but it was picked up by an unknown person.
The pursuit took officers through the streets of downtown Hollister, reaching speeds of 100 MPH. The driver, the older of the teens, did eventually decide to terminate the pursuit by pulling over on Pinnacles National Park Highway between Hillcrest Road and Meridian Street. The 14-year-old passenger attempted to run away, but was quickly apprehended.
The 17-year-old admitted to police that he stole the Honda, and he was taken to San Benito County Juvenile Hall and booked on reckless evading of police, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools and violating his parole. The 14-year-old was taken to juvenile hall and booked on charges of destruction of evidence and violating his parole. Police retrieved a baggie that contained remnants of marijuana and a crushed marijuana pipe.
Both juveniles are known to police as participating in a criminal street gang. The Honda was returned to the owner, and police are checking to determine if it was used in any other crimes in Hollister or other neighboring jurisdictions.
