Hollister police officer and teenager wrestle gun

A battle over control of a gun erupted between a Hollister gang member and a Hollister police officer.

Officer Yamamoto was on patrol in Third Street when he saw known gang member and pobationer, Jose Vega, 19, carrying something in a bag.

Although Officer Yamamoto attempted to stop and speak to Vega to ensure compliance with his pobation terms, Vega ran away from Officer Yamamoto and towards the Community Center Parking lot and westbound through Fremont Alley.

Officer Yamamoto chased Vega until they reached a residence on the 300 block of Locust Avenue. Vega ran toward the open front door but tripped and fell near the front door step.

As Officer Yamamoto was attempting to detain him, Vega reached into this pants and produced a gun.

Officer Yamamoto and Vega wrestled over control of the gun. Vega vehemently held onto the gun, resisting Officer Yamamoto’s attempts to take control of the gun.

Several people in the home yelled at Officer Yamamoto to leave Vega. As Officer Yamamoto and Vega struggled just inches from the doorway, Vega tossed the gun inside the entryway and the front door was slammed shut.

Vega was then taken into custody.

The residents refused Officer Yamamoto entry to retrieve the gun. While in the process of obtaining a gun to search the premises, it was later revealed Vegas’ girlfriend, Roxanne Matos, 22, had shut the front door and picked up the gun. The gun was later found concealed in the back yard of the house.

Vega and Mattos were both arrested, Vega was charged with Possession of the loaded firearm in public, possession of a concealed firearm, a felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, destroying evidence, resisting arrest, possession of a firearm with serial numbers removed and a probation violation. Mattos was charged with concealing evidence.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Officer Yamamoto at the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip hotline at 800-87-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.