Officers Investigate Rise in Gang Violence
Authorities are looking for people to come forward
HOLLISTER— Police responded to the area of Caputo Court in Hollister, an area well known for gang violence, and found a young man suffering from a stabbing and a gunshot wound.
Alfredo Zendajas
On January 26, at 2:54, police responded to the area of Caputo Court on a report of gang members fighting. When they arrived at the scene they encountered an 18-year-old Hollister resident suffering from a laceration to his face and a gunshot wound to his torso.
The young victim was flown to a Bay area hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Officers have very little information,as to what happened to the victim because he was intoxicated and uncooperative and no one is coming forward with information.
“I don’t get it, people around here are usually good about reporting what they have seen,” Hollister Police Captain Dave Westrick said. “I think the people involved were all gang members and they are not going to tell on themselves.”
Police are unsure whether they will find anyone that will come forward with information in this case. They know Caputo Court is a hot spot for gang activity. In September, a gang fight reported there ended with five gang members being arrested. (see, crimevoice; Wild Party Ends with Five Arrest in Hollister).
The stabbing and shooting that night was only the tip of the iceberg, because at 11:30 police also responded to the 1300 block of San Juan Road after receiving a report of a large fight in progress with gunshots heard.
Police found no evidence of a victim or a gun being fired but they did make contact with six individuals and arrested one. Arrested on a parole violation was Alfredo Zendejas of Hollister.
It should be noted that the 18-year-old individual who was shot and stabbed on Caputo Court was with Zendejas later the next morning when police contacted him. Police also broke up a large party and fight that involved gang members earlier that evening. An unknown suspect at the scene scratched up a patrol car before getting away.
As of now no witness have come forward. Anyone with information regarding these incidences is encouraged to contact the Hollister Police at 1-831-636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous my call WeTip at 800-78-crime. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
