HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – May 29, 2025 — Two individuals were arrested on Wednesday after leading Hollister police on a pursuit that ended in a crash and foot chase. The suspects, Jose Cervantes of San Jose and Mayra Aguirre of Gilroy, now face a series of felony and misdemeanor charges, including identity theft, possession of stolen property, and evading law enforcement.
Flock Safety System Triggers Police Response
Around 3:00 PM on May 28, Hollister Police Department’s Flock Safety alert system detected a wanted felony vehicle entering the city from the west end. The Flock system, which captures license plate images and alerts authorities to stolen or flagged vehicles, quickly notified officers of the Dodge Durango SUV’s presence.
Officer McKinney, who was on patrol, located the blue Dodge Durango and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as Jose Cervantes, 30, refused to comply and fled through Hollister’s residential streets.
Pursuit Ends in Crash and Arrest
As Cervantes sped through Westside Boulevard and Central Avenue, he ran a stop sign at Locust Avenue and Fourth Street, ultimately crashing into two other vehicles. Both suspects attempted to flee on foot.
Officer McKinney pursued Cervantes and successfully apprehended him moments later. Other officers—including Anderson, Gorman, and Ramos—arrived on scene to provide assistance and tend to the victims of the collision. Fortunately, the other drivers sustained only minor injuries and received treatment on-site from Hollister Fire EMTs and AMR paramedics.
Meanwhile, Officer Ramos was alerted by a community member that a woman matching the passenger’s description was hiding in a nearby backyard. The suspect, Mayra Aguirre, 30, was found and taken into custody without incident.
Evidence Uncovers Identity Theft Operation
The investigation quickly revealed that the Dodge Durango had also been involved in a previous pursuit with the Gilroy Police Department earlier in the week. As officers processed the vehicle, they made a disturbing discovery: nearly 100 pieces of stolen mail and personal documents, including credit cards, checks, social security cards, and other sensitive material. The mail had been stolen from multiple addresses across Santa Clara County, pointing to a larger identity theft and mail fraud ring.
Narcotics were also recovered from the vehicle. Authorities later confirmed that Cervantes is on parole and currently under Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) from Santa Clara County.
Multiple Charges Filed
Cervantes and Aguirre were transported to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital for medical evaluations following the pursuit and collision. After clearance, both were booked into San Benito County Jail on a list of serious charges.
The pair face four felony charges and five misdemeanors, including:
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Felony evading police with wanton disregard
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Hit-and-run causing injury
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Possession of stolen property
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Identity theft
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Possession of narcotics
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Driving under the influence (DUI)
Ongoing Investigation
The Hollister Police Department is continuing its investigation into the scope of the suspects’ criminal activities, including their possible connection to other identity theft incidents in neighboring cities.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Hollister Police Department at 831-638-4331. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous can reach out to WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Tips provided to WeTip may be eligible for a cash reward.
The case underscores the growing challenges local police face in battling identity theft and property crimes fueled by parolees and organized rings. Thanks to vigilant technology and quick officer response, two suspects are now in custody and facing justice.
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