Hollister Man Arrested After Foot Chase

HOLLISTER—The Hollister Police Department arrested Michael Smith, 38, of Hollister after he ran from a traffic stop.

Michael Smith

At about 10 p.m. on Monday, Officer Bo Leland attempt to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation around the 1700 block of Airline Highway.  The driver drove into the Burger King parking lot and into the drive-through before he abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot.

The chase then proceeded across Airline Highway toward the intersection of Airline Highway and Tres Pinos Road.  Smith ran back across the busy highway again then through a dirt parking lot to McCray Street.  Officer Leland continued the foot pursuit while advising responding officers of Smith’s direction of travel.

Smith became exhausted and gave up in the parking lot of Neighborhood Pizza. Smith was taken into custody without further incident.  Smith was in possession of methamphetamine.

“This gentleman had reasons to run from the police,” Hollister Police Chief David Westrick said. “If you run from the police you are just going to go to jail tired.”

Smith was booked into the San Benito County Jail for possession of methamphetamine, resisting arrest and a probation violation.  He is being held without bail.

This is the second time that Hollister Police had to deal with Smith as earlier this year Smith fled from police as they attempted to stop him for a vehicle violation.  That high-speed pursuit ended when Smith rode his motorcycle into a curb and was ejected off the motorcycle.

This is an active investigation and the Hollister Police is asking anyone with information to contact them at 1-831-636-4330.  Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800-78-CRIME.  Information provided to WeTip may result in an award of up to $1,000.00.

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