HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – November 15, 2013 – On Thursday, November 14, 2013, about 6:05 PM, Hollister police units were dispatched to an apartment building at 100 block of Third Street for two victims injured by gunfire – a twenty-four-year-old male and a twelve-year-old girl.
Responding officers found the male victim sustained a single gunshot wound to his left arm. The man had been inside his apartment standing near a window. A shooter fired one round from a handgun through the window, striking the man’s arm. After hitting the man’s arm, the bullet traveled through a wall into an adjoining apartment unit and struck the female victim on the back. Both victims were transported via ambulance to Hazel Hawkins Hospital. The female victim was treated for a minor injury and released. The male victim was flown via CALSTAR to a bay area trauma center. He was treated and released after a few hours.
Witnesses observed two teenaged, Hispanic males walking in the area seconds before the shooting. Additional information gleaned from this investigation strongly indicates this shooting was gang related, and the male victim was the intended target. The juvenile victim was an unintended victim. No suspects have been identified, yet.
Investigating officers recovered a rifle tossed in the backyard of one residence, and a .357 handgun secreted in a hedge next to a nearby home.
“Someone out there knows who did this cowardly act. A relative, an acquaintance or a girlfriend of the shooter can make a difference and come forward,” said Chief Westrick. “The next time, it could be you or your relative that gets hurt or killed. I would encourage them to come forward anonymously if necessary and help us stop the violence.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Detective Staci Esqueda at 636-4330, ext. 114, or Gang Detective Matthew Weiss at 636-4330, ext. 132. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.