HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – December 23, 2025 - Officers responded to a report of two men fighting at a local Hotel. Officers arrived and located a man who was actively trying to kill another man. The suspect was arrested and booked at the San Benito County Jail.
On December 23, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Hollister Police Department officers were dispatched to the Wiebe Motel, located at 1271 San Felipe Road, following a report of a physical altercation between two individuals.
Upon arrival, the first responding officer observed an extremely volatile and dangerous scene. A male subject was walking toward the officer with blood on his hands, while a second male lay on the ground suffering from severe head injuries and heavy bleeding. The officer immediately issued verbal commands. However, the suspect ignored those commands and repeatedly yelled at the officer to kill him.
Despite the officer’s efforts to de-escalate the situation, the suspect continued to advance in an aggressive manner, creating an immediate safety risk to the officer and others in the area. At one point, the suspect, later identified as Santino Guzman (53), turned away from the officer and approached the patrol vehicle. Guzman opened the driver’s door and attempted to enter the vehicle, further escalating the threat.
To prevent the suspect from gaining access to the patrol vehicle and to stop the dangerous behavior, the officer deployed his department-issued Taser. The deployment was effective, and Guzman was safely taken into custody without further injury to officers or bystanders.
The investigation determined that an argument over the suspected theft of narcotics led Guzman to violently attack the 60-year-old victim. During the assault, Guzman pushed the victim into a glass window, shattering it, and then attempted to use a piece of broken glass to cut the victim’s throat. The victim was transported to an out-of-area hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Guzman was transported to Hazel Hawkins Hospital, where he was treated for minor cuts to his hands sustained during the altercation and was medically cleared. He was subsequently booked into the San Benito County Jail on charges including attempted murder.
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department for their prompt response and assistance in safely restraining the combative suspect. This continued partnership is critical in ensuring the safety of officers and community members during high-risk incidents.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Officer David Anderson at the Hollister Police Department 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: M. Wiess, Sergeant
Approved by: C. Reynoso, Chief of Police
