Hollister police officers arrested a 17-year-old male from Morgan Hill Wednesday for the alleged murder of Andres Guzman, 19, of Hollister, Aug. 8. The arrest was made around 1 p.m.
Guzman was found at Fourth and Powell streets with stab wounds and later died at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, according to a statement from Police Chief David Westrick. A police statement released Aug. 9 noted that Guzman was stabbed in the chest, while police alleged it was a gang-related homicide.
In addition to the 17-year-old Morgan Hill man’s arrest, Hollister police officers served two search warrants in Hollister and one in San Juan Bautista at locations with alleged ties to the investigation. In a press statement, officers said detectives expect more arrests as they continue the investigation.
“I want to personally thank the many community members that have come forward with vital information that has helped our police department in this investigation and thank those people that have helped the victim’s family during this difficult time,” said Chief David Westrick in a statement. “We still have a lot of work to do, but it feels better that we can afford the members of Andy’s family a start to some measure of justice.”
According to the original police statement:
“Witnesses reported the suspect was a Hispanic male, medium build with short dark hair. The suspect approached the victim with two other Hispanic males. The suspect then stabbed the victim in the upper chest with a knife he had in his hand. The suspect fled with the two other males and got into, what witnesses are describing as a grey or silver, late model Chevrolet Malibu and fled possibly eastbound on Fourth Street.”
Police received the report at 6:26 p.m. Aug. 8, Chief David Westrick said. Responders found the man at the intersection.
Friday’s police statement added that the “Hollister Police Department expresses its condolences to the victim’s family and friends.”
According to the statement:
“The Hollister Department continues to need your help in solving this crime. Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact Detective Erik Morris at 636-4330. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
The death marked Hollister’s second homicide of 2013.
