Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – July 8, 2026 – Despite low staffing challenges, the Hollister Police Department maintained full patrol operations throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend.  All available sworn personnel were assigned to patrol operations throughout the City and the Downtown Rally footprint. Officers focused on rapid response to calls for service, traffic safety, and the detection of criminal activity to ensure a safe environment for residents and the thousands of visitors attending the Rally.

Citywide Patrol Activity
On July 3, officers responded to 96 calls for service and conducted 32 officer-initiated activities. Dispatch received 15 fireworks-related calls, officers completed seven criminal investigations, made two arrests, and issued three citations.

On July 4, officers responded to 157 calls for service and initiated 35 officer-initiated activities. Officers handled 59 fireworks-related calls, completed 12 criminal investigations, made six arrests, and issued 14 citations, including 10 misdemeanor citations, one municipal code citation for illegal fireworks, one infraction citation, and one traffic warning.

The investigations included several serious criminal offenses, including felony assault, felony domestic violence, felony hit-and-run, driving under the influence of drugs, vandalism, vehicle theft-related offenses, child endangerment, and possession of illegal weapons.

By far one of the most tragic calls for service was on July 3^rd.  A male juvenile riding an off-highway motorcycle was involved in a solo fatal collision with a parked trailer. Officers responded to a report of a motorcycle collision on the 1900 block of Valley View Rd. in Hollister.  The Hollister Fire Department and AMR Ambulance also responded to the scene. 

A 17-year-old male was located in the street with severe injuries, next to an off-highway motorcycle.  The rider and motorcycle had collided into the left rear side of a parked trailer.  Hollister Fire Department and AMR Ambulance personnel began emergency life-saving medical treatment for the motorcycle rider.  The rider was transported to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased from his injuries.
  
The Hollister Police Department investigated the collision and processed the collision scene.  Members of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Hollister Police Department with this investigation.  The Hollister Police Department would like to thank the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. 

The Hollister Police Department would like to offer our condolences to the victim’s family. 

Downtown Rally Enforcement
Within the Downtown Rally footprint, officers attempted to maintain a visible presence throughout the event.

On July 3, officers completed six criminal investigations, issued one citation, and towed one vehicle. The investigations included three separate cases involving illegal weapons (Get Back Whips) in violation of California Penal Code § 22210, grand theft, and an informational report.

On July 4, officers completed eight criminal investigations, made two arrests, and issued one citation. Notably, seven additional investigations involved violations of California Penal Code § 22210, resulting in the seizure of numerous illegal "Get Back Whips" and similar prohibited weapons.

During enforcement efforts over the weekend, Hollister Police Officers confiscated ten illegal "Get Back Whips" from motorcycles participating in the event. While some people view these items as motorcycle accessories, they are designed to be quickly detached from the motorcycle and used as an impact weapon. Many consist of a braided leather or paracord whip with a heavy metal quick-release clip or weighted end, allowing them to be swung with significant force and capable of causing serious bodily injury.

In California, unless the whip is permanently attached to the motorcycle, a weighted "Get Back Whip" qualifies as a prohibited slungshot under California Penal Code § 22210, making it illegal to manufacture, import, sell, give away, or possess.  Individuals found in possession of these weapons may be arrested and criminally charged. The Hollister Police Department remains committed to removing illegal weapons from our community and ensuring everyone can safely enjoy community events. To better understand how these devices are intended to be used as weapons, follow this link for useful information:
https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/are-get-back-whips-legal-everything-you-should-know/

Over the two-day period, officers responded to 74 fireworks-related calls for service throughout the City and took enforcement action when violations were observed. Over 54 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated and turned over to the fire department for destruction.  Illegal fireworks pose a serious risk of injury, increase the potential for fires, generate unnecessary calls for emergency services, and negatively impact neighborhoods.

The Hollister Police Department appreciates the cooperation of residents, businesses, and visitors who celebrated responsibly throughout the holiday weekend. The Department also extends its gratitude to the officers, dispatchers, professional staff, and assisting personnel from other agencies whose professionalism and dedication contributed to a safe Fourth of July celebration. Their proactive patrol efforts and visible presence throughout the City and the Downtown Rally helped deter criminal activity, quickly address incidents as they occurred, and enhance the overall safety of the community.