HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – February 14, 2025, – On January 25, 2025, at approximately 1:40 AM, Hollister Police officers responded to the 400 block of Meridian Street following a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a gunshot victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim received on-site treatment from Hollister Fire and AMR personnel and was then taken to a nearby trauma center.
The initial investigation revealed that the victim confronted several individuals who were suspected of breaking into his vehicle. The victim followed the suspects demanding the return of the items they had taken. This led to a physical altercation between the victim and the unknown suspect(s), during which the victim was shot. The suspect(s) then fled the area. Hollister Police officers and San Benito County Sheriff's deputies conducted a search of the area for the suspects.
Through the execution of many search warrants, community outreach, and canvassing, Hollister Police Department officers and detectives methodically advanced the case. Detectives uncovered leads that brought them closer to apprehending the individual responsible for the shooting.
On January 27, 2025, Travis Rik Duarte, a 22-year-old Hollister resident, voluntarily turned himself in to the Hollister Police Department, admitting some involvement in the shooting. However, he has not cooperated in identifying the two other persons who were with him at the time of the incident. Hollister Police Detectives subsequently arrested Duarte and booked him into the San Benito County Jail on attempted murder charges.
The Hollister Police Department has continued to conduct search warrants and has obtained further evidence of the crime. The two other suspects involved are yet to be identified at this time. We are asking anyone who knows who they may be or who frequently associates with Mr. Duarte to please call the police department.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is requested to contact The Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
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Prepared by: A. Melgoza, Detective Sergeant
Approved by: R. Betanio, Captain
#25-183
