Hollister Police Investigate Fires As Arson
Attacks Appear Random
HOLLISTER—Authorities with the Hollister Police Department as well as Hollister Fire Department investigators joined forces and think they may have a arsonist on their hands.
On December 19, the two agencies conducted an investigation on a medical building and two separate vehicle fires on the 100 block of Gibson Drive and the other on the 1000 block of Juniper Drive.
At about 3:17 a.m. in the morning the Hollister Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on Juniper Drive. Then about 4:37 a.m. they responded to the second vehicle fire on Gibson Drive. The two fires are located about a mile apart.
A few hours later, at about 7 a.m., the Hollister Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 900 block of Sunnyslope Road. This medical complex is the same one that had another early morning fire that destroyed a building on November 14. It is unclear whether that fire was caused by arson.
“At this time, the November 14 fire is being looked at for the possibility that it could have been arson,” Hollister Police Captain Carlos Reynoso said. “There is a possibility that they might be related.”
Fire investigators discovered evidence at the fires that they were deliberately set. Hollister Fire Marshall Captain Mike O’Conner determined that the fires were started in a similar manner in all three recent cases.
The three fires all occurred within walking distance from one another and at this time there does not seem to be a connection between the vehicle fires and the medical complex. Investigators believe that the suspect(s) might have been on foot and the targets appear random.
The Hollister Police Department is asking if anyone saw someone walking in the area in the early morning hours on the 19th to please call them. The Hollister Police Department can be reached at 1-831-636-4331 or by calling 911. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000 dollars.
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KSBW: Holister Fires Now Investigated as Arson Cases
