Gang Member on Probation Pulls Gun During Compliance Check, Heads Back to Jail
Stock image (Wikimedia Commons)
HOLLISTER — 19-year-old Jose Vega is back in jail after trying to flee from an officer conducting a compliance check. Vega, a known gang member in the area, is forbidden from owning firearms and subject to occasional compliance checks per his probation.
On Saturday, March 25th, an officer with Hollister PD was on patrol in the Third Street area when he noticed Vega carrying something in a bag. The officer attempted to speak with Vega, at which point Vega turned and ran.
He went through the Community Center Parking Lot, followed by the alley on Fremont Street. The officer was close on his heels until they arrived at a residence on the 300 block of Locust Avenue, where there was an open door and a clear goal for Vega.
Then he tripped and fell.
The officer caught up and a struggle ensued. Vega reached into his waistband and drew a loaded handgun, at which point the two began a struggle over the weapon.
Vega threw the gun into the house, which afforded the officer an opportunity to cuff him.
The people in the home, however, refused to let officers inside to retrieve the gun. Hollister PD then ordered a freeze on the house until a search warrant could be secured. It was later determined that Vega’s girlfriend, identified as 22-year-old Roxanne Mattos, was the one who picked up the weapon and shut the door.
The gun was later found in the backyard. Mattos was also arrested for her part in the ordeal.
Vega is charged with possession of a loaded firearm in public, possession of a concealed weapon, a felon in possession of a firearm, destroying evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm with the serial numbers removed, and probation violation.
Mattos has been charged with concealing evidence.
