HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – January 8, 2014-
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office contacted the Hollister Police Department today when they discovered the silver 2007 GMC Sierra pick-up, California license plate number 8W00530. The pick-up was listed as a wanted vehicle by the Hollister Police Department in connection with the homicide.
Earlier this morning Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Deputies had been contacted by a resident in the area of Bolsa Road at Bloomfield Avenue regarding the pick-up. The resident told the deputies the pick-up had been left in the area and was believed to be abandoned. Deputies responded to investigate further and learned the pick-up was wanted by the Hollister Police Department in association to the homicide in Hollister. The truck appeared to have been recently dropped off either earlier that morning or sometime during the night.
Hollister Police responded to the vehicle’s location and had the pick-up towed back to the Hollister Police Department for processing. The GMC Sierra pick-up, photographed above, was believed to be associated with homicide suspect Heriberto Onate Ramirez, 22 years-old.
Earlier this week the Hollister Police announced the arrest warrant for Heriberto Onate Ramirez for the homicide of Michael Cortez, which occurred on October 7, 2013 (Press Release #14-001). Heriberto Onate Ramirez was last seen driving this silver, 2007 GMC Sierra pick-up.
The truck appears to have recent repairs completed consistent with damage reported during the homicide. The truck has a black hood and a new driver’s side headlight. The truck also has 24-inch chrome wheels. Police believe the black hood and wheels make the truck distinctive and someone will remember seeing it. If anyone recognizes the truck and may have information as to where it was stored or who may have been using it, please call the police department.
If anyone has further information regarding the silver 2007 GMC Sierra or the investigation into the homicide of Michael Cortez, the Hollister Police Department would like to ask that you contact the department’s Gang Officer Matthew Weiss at 831-636-4330 ext. 132 with that information. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.