Full Notification

SEE ATTACHED RELEASE - Text from release below:

On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, at approximately 7:35 pm, five subjects were in a red Nissan Rogue on 5^th St in the City of San Juan Bautista.  As the driver of the Nissan, Brian MORENO, passed a group of male juveniles in the area of Polk St, he performed a u-turn and drove back toward them.
 
As the Nissan passed the group, a male juvenile suspect extended his arm out of the window and fired 9 shots at the group as they ran away.  Numerous bullets struck, and some entered a home in the area.  One of the residents inside was hit by a bullet and was transported to a local trauma center with non life-threatening injuries.
 
Soon after the shooting, two California State Park Rangers arrived on the scene of the shooting, as did the Hollister Fire Department.  The Rangers had heard the shooting when it occurred and responded immediately.  It was due to this rapid response that a “be on the lookout” was broadcast for the Nissan. 
 
Without having to be asked to do so, Officers from the Hollister Police Department self-deployed to strategic locations where they thought the suspect vehicle may enter the city.  Hollister Police Officer Bryce Morgan located the suspect vehicle as it turned onto Union Rd from e/b Hwy 156.  He initiated a stop on the car that was still occupied by the five suspects. 
 
Numerous Officers from Hollister Police and Deputies from the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office assisted on the high-risk car stop on Union Rd at Geneil Ct.  A result of the stop was the safe arrest of Brian MORENO (driver) along with three male juveniles and one female juvenile, all of Hollister, CA.  A search of the Nissan located a Ruger handgun and numerous shell-casings.
 
The San Benito County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our partners at California State Parks, Hollister Fire Department and the Hollister Police Department.  Without their assistance, this case would not have been solved in the rapid manner it was.  Hollister Police were instrumental in locating the suspects moments after the shooting occurred.  It is only through the selfless cooperation of our partners that we are able to come together to solve these cases.
 
This investigation is ongoing and is considered at this time to be gang-related.
 
All five suspects were booked on charges of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, child endangerment, and participation in a criminal street gang.
 
BY: Captain Eric Taylor
DATE: 4/2/2020