Hollister man runs from police with cash, drugs and loaded gun

In an attempt to get away from police, a Hollister man jumped out of his car and took off running with a loaded gun.

An officer with the Hollister Police Department was on patrol in the downtown area when he attempted to pull over 35-year-old Adam Mendoza for a vehicle violation.

Instead of pulling over, HPD said Mendoza turned onto Second Street then East Street.

The incident happened around 3:37 a.m. on August 1.

“The suspect vehicle stopped and the driver got out of the car and ran northbound on East Street. Officer Guevara chased after him on foot for several yards while the man was discarding items while he attempted to get away,” said Sgt. Don Pershall.

Mendoza was ultimately arrested just before reaching Santa Ana Road. He had a large amount of cash, brass knuckles, and suspected methamphetamine on him.

Police discovered Mendoza had discarded his cell phone and a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

Mendoza was taken to the San Benito County Jail where he was booked for possessing a loaded gun in a car, carrying a loaded gun in public, destroying or concealing evidence, obstructing an officer, transportation of a controlled substance, possession of brass knuckles, driving on a suspended license and possessing unlawful drug paraphernalia.