Hollister Police arrest man for felony weapons and drug charges

Hollister Police arrested a man for several felony weapons and drug related charges, Friday.

Jesse Cota, 38, was taken into custody on April 6, when police identified him as being present during a shooting the previous night.

On April 5, police responded to the 900 block of West Street for reports of shots fired. Officers determined a single shot was fired inside the home, and the person who fired the gun fled in a “newer” White Toyota Camry. No weapons were found during this initial investigation, and law enforcement has not said if there were any injuries.

The next day, a police report says United Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) agents received information about a location for the weapon used in the shooting. They returned to the scene with Hollister Police and found the firearm hidden on the property.

While on scene, they saw a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description drive by the home. They conducted a traffic stop on the 300 block of Swope Alley. Cota was the front passenger in the vehicle, and was taken into custody. Officers found a child in the car, along with a loaded handgun, watches, jewelry and narcotics. Police say the gun and several jewelry items were recently stolen from a Hollister residence.

Cota was booked into San Benito County jail for child endangerment, carrying a concealed weapon inside a vehicle, possession of a loaded firearm, person with a previous felony conviction in possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen firearm, committing a felony while on bail for a felony charge, possession of stolen property, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of controlled substance, attempting to destroy/conceal evidence, and possession of controlled substance while armed with a firearm.

On April 7, a UNET Agent and Hollister Police Officer were reportedly conducting a follow up on the case, near Bridge and Bridgevale. They found a previously stolen gray Honda Civic, matching the description of a vehicle Cota has been previously driving. Hollister Police say they found evidence connecting Cota to the stolen car and the firearm found on the West Street home. They added charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and possession of a shortened barreled shotgun to Cota’s booking.

This investigation is ongoing with the Hollister Police Department and UNET.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the Hollister Police Department at 636-4330. You can remain anonyous by calling the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.