HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – June 26, 2026 – On June 19, 2026, Officers Baugher, Hernandez, and Guerrero responded to a report of a man brandishing a firearm and challenging two men to fight outside a local business.
The investigation revealed that the altercation began after the suspect's stepdaughter became involved in a verbal dispute with two men inside the business. Believing she was being harassed, she contacted her stepfather and asked him to come to the location. Upon arriving, the suspect allegedly confronted the two men, brandished a firearm, and challenged them to fight. Fearing for their safety, the victims immediately contacted the Hollister Police Department. Prior to officers arriving, the suspect and the female left the scene.
The victims provided officers with detailed descriptions of the suspect, his vehicle, the vehicle's license plate number, and video footage of the incident. Officers utilized the FLOCK Safety camera system and determined it had left the City of Hollister shortly after the incident. The information captured by the camera system allowed investigators to confirm the vehicle's identifying information and identify the registered owner.
On June 25, 2026, officers located the suspect's vehicle and conducted a traffic stop to serve a search warrant for the firearm used during the incident. The driver was identified as Reginald Mendoza Vergara, 45, the registered owner of the vehicle, who also matched the individual captured in the victims' video footage. Mendoza Vergara was taken into custody, and the firearm was recovered and seized as evidence. He was booked into the San Benito County Jail on charges of brandishing a firearm and making criminal threats.
This incident serves as an important reminder that arguments and disagreements, even those that begin as relatively minor disputes, can quickly escalate into dangerous and potentially tragic situations when a firearm is introduced unlawfully. No disagreement is worth risking serious injury or loss of life. The Hollister Police Department encourages community members to resolve conflicts peacefully and reminds firearm owners of the significant legal and personal consequences associated with using a firearm to intimidate or threaten others.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Hollister Police Department at (831) 636-4331.
Individuals wishing to remain anonymous may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided anonymously through WeTip may be eligible for a reward.
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Prepared by: Sergeant Staci Esqueda
Approved by: Chief Carlos Reynoso
