Hollister police serve search warrant at last known address of Jose Barajas

Hollister police served a search warrant this week at the last known address of Jose Barajas, who is suspected of fatally shooting 19-year-old Ariana Zendejas.

Barajas is also wanted for the kidnapping of his ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Flores, police said.

Barajas’ brother, who declined to speak on camera, confirmed who police were searching for. He told NewsChannel 5 reporter Jake Reiner that “everyone was asleep when police forcibly entered the apartment.”

Hollister police say that in California, they have a knock and notice protocol before serving a search warrant. They basically knock, give notice and if no body answers, they force their way in.

Hollister Police Chief David Westrick said there may be more working against him than just a suspected murderer on the loose.

“I would ask those people that are hiding him, that are assisting him, that they look into their own hearts and really help us and get this family some closure,” Westrick said.

Police would not go into detail about what they obtained in the search warrant, but the police chief did say the best way to help law enforcement is by calling 911 if they have any information on the case. He said it’s the quickest way to get a response.