Assault, burglary suspect arrested in Hollister
Hollister police officers arrested a man Tuesday who is accused of entering a grocery store, assaulting the manager, and attempting to kidnap an employee.
Police say John David Abeyta, 50, from San Leandro, claimed to be armed when he walked into the Lucky’s store at 294 McCray Street in Hollister, where he ordered the store manager to the floor and hit him several times in the head.
According to witnesses, Abeyta threatened others and tried to kidnap an employee, saying he would shoot her if she didn’t comply. She was able to escape and Abeyta left the store when employees said they had called police.
Officers found Abeyta outside the store. They say he acted as if he would pull a weapon from his jacket, but finally surrendered without incident. No weapon was found.
Abeyta was arrested and booked into the San Benito County Jail on charges of battery with bodily injury, burglary, false Imprisonment and committing criminal threats.
The investigation is ongoing, and the Hollister Police Department asks anyone with information about this case to contact them at (831) 638-4115. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
