HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – February 1, 2026- Hollister Police arrested a man in the early morning hours after receiving a prowler call in a residential neighborhood. Police used drones to locate and arrested the suspect.
On January 31, 2026, at approximately 4:29 a.m., officers responded to a prowler call in the 100 block of Wilma Drive. The reporting party heard a subject in their backyard tapping on a window. Officers arrived on scene and began searching the backyard. While conducting the search, officers observed a man jump the fence into an adjoining neighbor’s yard and flee the area.
Officers established a perimeter and relayed the subject’s direction of travel. Officer Robledo deployed the department’s drone to conduct a real-time, safe aerial search for the suspect as he fled the area.
Officer Robledo Officers located the suspect with the use of the drone’s powerful spotlight and the infrared thermal capability to detect body heat. He provided officers with real-time updates on the location of the suspect as the suspect continued to attempt escape. Officers coordinated and closed in on the man. They eventually apprehended the suspect in the area of Wilma Drive and Rajkovich Way. The man, later identified as Jesus Perez, 27, of Hollister, was found in possession of narcotics and paraphernalia and had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was booked into San Benito County Jail on charges of possession of narcotics, the outstanding warrants, and resisting arrest.
The Hollister Police Department’s licensed drone pilots once again demonstrated the value of the department’s drone program to the community. The drone enabled officers to safely conduct a timely search while reducing personnel risk.
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Prepared by: Sergeant Theresa Aguilera
Approved by: Chief Carlos Reynoso
Case # 26-0163
