POLICE ARREST MAN ARMED WITH KNIFE FOR MULTIPLE VANDALISMS, THREATS

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – June 10, 2021– The Hollister Police Department arrested a local man for vandalizing multiple vehicles with a knife and threatening to kill his neighbors.

On June 6, 2021, at about 1:50 P.M., Hollister Police Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Western Court for a report of a man who was waiving a knife stating he was going to “kill someone.” The man had reportedly been vandalizing multiple vehicles and other property with a knife.

Shortly after arriving, Officers located a man who matched the description provided by witnesses, Ernesto Alonso Ayala Flores (32). Ayala Flores was still armed with the knife as he walked towards a residence. Officers negotiated with Ayala Flores attempting to deescalate the situation and gain his compliance. Ultimately, Ayala Flores complied with Officer’s commands and he was taken safely into custody.

During the course of the investigation, officers discovered Ayala Flores was in possession of drug paraphernalia. Hollister Police Officers were familiar with Ayala Flores since this was his fourth time being arrested in four days for a series of crimes around the City of Hollister.

Ayala Flores was charged with exhibiting a deadly weapon at a peace officer, criminal threats, two counts of felony vandalism, one count of misdemeanor vandalism, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Due to the increasing violent behavior Ayala Flores was presenting towards the community during the past several days, officers requested his bail amount increased to $200,000.00.  The increased bail amount was granted by a local judge.