The truck suspected of being used in the October homicide of Hollister’s Michael Cortez has been found abandoned and found by authorities, according to the Hollister Police Department.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office recovered the silver 2007 GMC Sierra and got in contact with Hollister police, which is investigating the homicide.
Police have identified the suspect as Heriberto Onate Ramirez, 22, in relation to the homicide outside Agua Azul bar in the 700 block of East Street at about 2 a.m. Oct. 7. That is when police responded to the initial report of a traffic wreck involving a pedestrian and found two victims nearby – one from the collision and another from stab wounds to the torso area. Police at the time believed the traffic incident and stabbing were directly related.
As for the abandoned truck, police released the following in a statement:
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 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 Departm, ext. 132 with that information. People wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
