Full Notification

Hollister, California — April 29, 2026 — Hollister Police officers responded early this morning to a report of a subject vandalizing a local business and ultimately took the individual into custody following a dangerous and violent confrontation with an officer.
 
At approximately 5:57 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of East Park Street regarding an intoxicated individual attempting to break business windows using large river rocks. Sergeant Bo Leland, who was in close proximity, arrived on scene within minutes and located the suspect actively armed with two large rocks.
 
Upon contact, the suspect, identified as Julio Mendoza, 46, a transient from Hollister, immediately assumed an aggressive posture toward Sergeant Leland. Despite clear and repeated commands to drop the rocks and get on the ground, Mendoza refused to comply. Instead, he threw two grapefruit-sized rocks directly at the sergeant in an apparent attempt to cause serious injury. Sergeant Leland narrowly avoided being struck.
 
In response, Sergeant Leland deployed his department-issued taser; however, it was ineffective. The encounter quickly escalated into a physical struggle when Sergeant Leland moved in to take the suspect into custody. During the altercation, Mendoza actively resisted arrest, bit Sergeant Leland on the arm, and attempted to gain control of the sergeant’s weapons, actions that significantly elevated the danger of the situation.
 
Sergeant Leland continued to engage and restrain the suspect until additional officers and deputies from the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office arrived to assist in safely taking Mendoza into custody. The swift response and coordinated effort prevented further escalation.
 
The investigation determined that approximately $5,000 in damage was caused to a nearby business in the brief period before officers arrived.
 
Both Sergeant Leland and Mendoza were transported to Hazel Hawkins Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Both have since been released, and Sergeant Leland is expected to make a full recovery and return to duty.
 
“This incident underscores the unpredictable and often dangerous nature of police work,” said Chief Carlos Reynoso. “Our officers are routinely placed in rapidly evolving situations where they must make critical decisions to protect themselves and the public. We are fortunate that this incident did not result in more serious injuries, and I commend Sergeant Leland and the responding personnel for their professionalism and restraint in safely resolving a highly volatile situation.”
 
Mendoza was booked into the San Benito County Jail on charges including assault with a deadly weapon, felony vandalism, attempting to disarm a peace officer, and other related offenses.
 
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Approved by: Captain Michael Paddy