Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – April 30, 2021 – Hollister Police arrest suspect for parental abduction of three children and burglary.
 
On April 30, 2021, at about 11:15 am, Officer Wells was dispatched to the 100 block of Hawkins Street regarding a report of a non custodial parent abducting three children from the residence.  The parent did not have any legal custody of the children. 
 
During the investigation Officer Wells learned that Johanna Gomez (35) unlawfully entered the home of the father of the children and took their three children ages 5, 7, and 8.  Gomez fled the scene in a 2006 Green Honda Pilot. Officer Wells had contacted Johanna Gomez the previous day and she had made several concerning statements that brought into question her mental stability.  Gomez also left documents at the house that also caused concerned.     
 
Officer Wells contacted the California Highway Patrol and advised them of the situation and the license plate of the vehicle.  Officers had information Gomez may be heading to a relatives home in Lathrop, CA.  However, Gomez’ family members were not cooperative with police. 
 
A “Be on the Look Out” was sent to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol and both agencies began to circulate in the area of Lathrop, CA; in an attempt to locate Gomez and the children.  Hollister Police Detctive Thomas Torres conducted a search of available online data and located a possible family member’s address in Lathrop California.  That information was passed on to the law enforcement agencies in Lathrop. 
 
At about 4:00 pm, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department advised they located Gomez and the children at the address provided.  The children were unharmed and in good spirits. The children were in the process of being re-united with their father.
 
Gomez is being transported back to Hollister where she will be booked at the San Benito County Jail for mutiple felony charges to include parental abduction and buglary.
 
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol and Santa Cruz 911 for their quick response in aiding our agency in safely locating the missing children and apprehending Gomez.
 
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer Wells at 831-638-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
 
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Prepared by: Sergeant, R. Celano                                                                     
Approved by: Interim Chief, C. Reynoso
 
Cases # 21-847