HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA - January 31, 2020 - Hollister Police executed a search warrant after receiving information of possible narcotics activity. Police arrested the suspect and recovered two firearms in the execution of the search warrant.
On Tuesday, January 28th, 2020, San Benito High School staff became aware of suspected drug sales occurring in Hollister. The staff members immediately reported the information to the School Resource Officer (SRO), Staci Esqueda. Officer Esqueda discovered someone was selling Xanax (Alprazolam), a prescription narcotic, in the community via the social media platform SnapChat.
Over the next 24 hours, Ofc. Esqueda received reports that four juveniles had been transported to the hospital for medical treatment related to ingesting suspected Xanax pills. The juveniles were subsequently treated and later released. The investigation revealed the suspected person who provided those drugs to the juveniles resided on the 800 block of Central Avenue in Hollister.
On Friday, January 31st, 2020, Hollister Police Department Officers and Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team UNET Agents executed a search warrant at the residence. Officers located a 9mm semi-automatic handgun and a .22 caliber rifle (photographed above). The juvenile suspect was taken into custody and booked into San Benito County Juvenile Hall for charges relating to providing a controlled substance to a minor. Another person living at the home claimed ownership of the guns; however they were seized pending further investigation.
The Hollister Police Department would like to remind the community that the misuse of prescription narcotics is a national epidemic. Police have seen a steady increase in the number of counterfeit prescription pills in recent years and they have a higher likelihood of the pills being laced with the opioid, Fentanyl. Please do not take any medication that was not provided by your doctor or pharmacist and speak to your children about the dangers of using narcotics.
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum stated, “I want to thank HPD for their proactive collaboration and follow-through, ensuring that our students’ well-being is always at the forefront. Hollister PD and our contracted SRO are partners that work with us to support the health and safety of our students and the greater community.”
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the vigilant staff of San Benito High School for reporting this matter to police and UNET for their assistance in the investigation of this situation and apprehension of the suspect.
Anyone with further information is asked to call Hollister Police Officer Staci Esqueda at 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
Prepared by: David Anderson, Officer Approved by: Carlos Reynoso, Interim Chief of Police
