HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – September 26, 2012, –On September 25, 2012, a Hollister Police Officer was conducting a follow up investigation in Mission Oaks Trailer Park when he was approached by a suspect who challenged him to a fight. The suspect then ran into a nearby trailer that has a history of gang related activity. Several other suspects that appeared to be intoxicated exited the trailer and were eventually arrested for charges ranging from battery on a peace officer, challenging an officer to a fight, obstruction, public intoxication and child endangerment.
At about 5:00 p.m. Officer Ray Celano arrived on Peach Lane in Mission Oaks to conduct a follow up investigation in regards to
a previously reported stolen vehicle. As he exited his patrol vehicle, a suspect, later identified as Carlos Perez Quezada (22), approached him and raised his clenched fists in a boxer stance and simultaneously challenged Officer Celano to a fight. Perez then retreated into the trailer as Officer Celano attempted to contact him.
Another person, identified as Patricia Caudillo (21) exited the trailer to speak with Officer Celano. She appeared intoxicated and was carrying an open alcoholic beverage. She refused to identify the man that had just entered the trailer and cooperate in any way with Officer Celano.
Ofc. Celano then observed two other individuals exit the trailer and attempt to flee over the back fence. He was able to contact Omar Perez Quezada (20) and another individual. They were also highly intoxicated and uncooperative. While speaking to them, another woman identified as Elaine Levario (21) exited the trailer and also began challenging and obstructing Ofc. Celano in the performance of his duties.
Additional police officers including San Benito County Probation Officers arrived to assist. Officer Celano.
A search of the trailer revealed additional persons hiding inside the trailer. Iris Perez (30) struck one of the officers several times before being placed in custody. Michael Ballesteros (23) refused orders to come out and hid in one of the rooms and was also arrested. Carlos Perez Quezada also refused to come out and challenged and struck Officer Luis Toribio before being placed under arrest. He continued to yell gang epithets throughout the encounter with police.
Hollister Police Officers located two children in the home, ages 2 and 4. Police found empty beer bottles and cans in every room of the trailer. There was an empty 30 pack of beer next to one of the children’s bed and the conditions of the home were unsanitary. The children were taken from the home and placed with a grandmother and child protective services was notified.
The following individuals were arrested and transported to the San Benito County Jail:
• Patricia Caudillo: Charged with public intoxication.
• Omar Quezada: Violation of probation.
• Carlos Quezada: Two counts of battery on an officer, challenging an officer to a fight, resisting arrest and violation of parole.
• Michael Ballesteros: Obstructing and delaying an officer in the performance of his duties.
• Elaine Levario: Obstructing an officer and child endangerment.
• Iris Perez: Battery on an officer.
Other gang related charges will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hollister Police Department at 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.
Prepared by: Carlos Reynoso, Captain
Approved by: Dave Westrick, Interim Chief of Police
