Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – September 28^th, 2022 – The Hollister Police Department arrested Francisco Nieto (27 years old) for a domestic violence incident that occurred yesterday.
 
On September 27^th, school officials at Hollister High School alerted our School Resource Officer, Officer Rayas, to a domestic violence incident that was reported by a student. The student reported that she had previously been in a dating relationship with Nieto and that it ended some time ago. The aftermath of the relationship caused the San Benito County Court to issue a protective order on the victim’s behalf.
 
Yesterday around 1 pm, Nieto approached the victim in the area of Suiter St. at D St. Nieto brandished a firearm at the victim and forced her into his vehicle. Nieto drove the victim to his residence, where he battered her, strangled her, and then threatened to kill her family.
 
Today, Nieto was spotted leaving his home. Our patrol staff attempted to contact Nieto near the intersection of Seventh St. and San Benito St. Nieto fled on foot, and our officers apprehended him in the area of Washington St. and Hawkins St.
 
Nieto was transported to the San Benito County Jail where he was booked on charges including kidnapping, robbery, brandishing a firearm, domestic violence, violation of a restraining order, and several other offenses. His bail is set at $1,000,000.
 
Officers subsequently obtained and served a search warrant at Nieto’s residence, where they seized a Glock handgun. The gun is similar to the one described by the victim in this case.
 
Anyone with information regarding these investigations are requested to contact The Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
 
Prepared by:  B. Leland, Sergeant                                                              
Approved by: E. Olson, Captain
 
Case #22-0683