Hollister police arrest three in connection to melee that escalated to gunfire
Above (L to R): Anthony Cervantes, Abel Pasillas Jr., Jose Vega | Hollister PD
Police have announced three new arrests in connection to a recent fight that escalated to a shooting in downtown Hollister.
Officers had responded late on the night of July 15 to the area of Wentz Alley and San Benito Street to investigate a report of a fight amongst a large group of people, some of whom were armed.
Officers en route heard the distinct sound of gunfire, at which point the fight, which had involved between ten and fifteen people, abruptly ended and the group scattered. One 15-year-old juvenile was detained at the scene for resisting and delaying officers, police said.
As they began investigating, officers recovered shell casings from two different guns, determining that the gunfire had come from just two individuals.
On July 19, 23-year-old Anthony Cervantes was arrested on suspicion of discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner.
On July 23, 23-year-old Abel Pasillas Jr. became the second suspect arrested in the case. He has since been booked at the San Benito County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, shooting at a vehicle, and probation violations, among other charges.
On July 28, Jose Vega was the third to be arrested for his alleged involvement in the initial fight. He remains in custody on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit a felony.
