HOLLISTer, Calif. — San Benito County authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting on October 18 in Hollister as 49-year-old Juan Vasquez, a longtime resident of the city.
According to Detective Bryan Penny of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department, Vasquez was transported from Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas after reportedly sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency medical treatment, Vasquez later succumbed to his injuries. The official cause of death is pending autopsy results.
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The incident occurred around 7:22 p.m. on the 1100 block of Sunnyslope Road, near Sunnyslope Elementary School, involving two vehicles, authorities said. Vasquez reportedly drove himself to the hospital before being airlifted to the trauma center.
Police have not released further details regarding a suspect, though reports describe a black Chrysler sedan as being involved. Following the shooting, several intersections were temporarily shut down, including Sunnyslope and Memorial, Sunnyslope and Clearview, Memorial and Sunset, and Sunset and Hwy 25.
Hollister Police Chief Carlos Reynoso confirmed that no arrests have been made and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Morgan at (831) 638-4331. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME, with a potential reward available for information leading to an arrest.
The Hollister community continues to grapple with the loss of Vasquez, as authorities work to gather additional information in the ongoing investigation.