Police in Hollister have reportedly arrested an individual for allegedly damaging a city vehicle with an explosive device.
On July 5, officers responded to a vandalism incident involving a city-owned vehicle on 5th Street. An unknown suspect had reportedly placed an explosive device on the vehicle, causing severe damage.
The explosion, believed to have been caused by an illegal firework, resulted in extensive destruction to the cowl area, hood, front fender, windshield, and engine components.
Officials reported that repair costs exceed $10,000, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Detectives initiated an investigation, pursuing leads to identify the suspect. Surveillance footage from city-owned cameras provided key evidence that helped detectives positively identify the individual.
On October 14, an officer contacted the suspect during a separate investigation. Detectives arrested Carlos Bravo Casarez, 41, a Sacramento County resident with ties to Hollister, in connection with the July vandalism.
Casarez was booked into San Benito County Jail on suspicion of felony vandalism and possession of a destructive device or explosive.
