Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – October 17, 2020 – Hollister Police Officers arrested a man after he allegedly attacked someone with a mallet, attempted to stab a woman and then stabbed himself several times. 

On October 17, 2020 at about 12:45 pm, Officers were advised by SCR911 of a 911 call with an open line with several people yelling in the background.  As officers responded to the 100 block of College Street, SCR911 advised they could now hear someone screaming on the phone.  Dispatchers were able to finally get someone to pick up the phone at that location and they advised Fernando Sanchez (60) had attacked family members with a mallet.  He allegedly struck a 17-year-old juvenile in the head several times when she attempted to stop Sanchez from attacking her mother. 

Sanchez then armed himself with a kitchen knife and continued his attack.  Family members were able to barricade themselves in the home when Sanchez walked into the back yard. 

Officer Theresa Aguilera and Pedro Torres arrived at the home and located Sanchez in the back yard actively stabbing himself on his chest and neck area.  They gave Sanchez orders to drop the knife but he refused and continued to stab himself. 

Officers recognized the suicidal actions of Mr. Sanchez might lead to a situation where he may provoke an officer to shoot him (Suicide by Cop).  Officers attempted to deescalate the situation by keeping their distance from Sanchez and Sergeant Celano arrived on scene with the “Less than Lethal Kinetic energy impact launcher (Shotgun loaded with rounds similar to small bean Bags).  

Sgt. Celano fired two Kinetic rounds at Sanchez to try and get him to drop the knife.  Both shots impacted Sanchez in his arms and he subsequently dropped the knife. 

Officers quickly handcuffed Sanchez and rendered first aid.  Sanchez was bleeding profusely and medics, who were staged nearby, were able to quickly stabilize and transport Sanchez to a nearby Trauma Hospital.
 
The 17-year-old was also transported to the hospital for injuries sustained by Sanchez’ attack. 

Sanchez is currently being held for evaluation at the hospital and is undergoing surgery.  He faces several felony charges for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.
####
Approved by: Carlos Reynoso, Interim Chief of Police