Clark said although people continue to call the SPPD with tips - including when they see a BMW that matches the description - it is hard to gauge whether or not they were prompted by the cable broadcast to offer information. “People” in general “have mentioned seeing it,” and Clark would like the photo and information continuing to be broadcast “as long as it takes to find the suspect” who struck Fuerte.A native of Mexico, Fuerte moved to the United States about seven years ago and had been a housekeeper at an area motel until September, when she was injured on the job. A doctor recommended she walk an hour a day as part of the therapy for her back injury. Described as optimistic and upbeat, Fuerte, a widow for more than 20 years, helped to support her two adult children, grandchildren and mother who all reside in Mexico.Those with information are asked to contact Sergeant Ish Cordero at 525-4474 ext 117, or Detective Clark at 525-4474 ext 121. If a caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers remain anonymous and can collect a $1,000 reward if information offered results in a conviction.
Fuerte: SPPD investigation into BMW hit & run death widens with cable TV
January 28, 2009
Santa Paula Police Department
Santa Paula police are still searching for the driver of the BMW that struck and killed an area woman as she took her regular evening stroll in a quiet neighborhood.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesSanta Paula police are still searching for the driver of the BMW that struck and killed an area woman as she took her regular evening stroll in a quiet neighborhood. The SPPD has widened the search with a photo of the vehicle model and information about the hit and run on Time Warner Cable Channel 10.Raquel Fuerte, 58, was struck January 6 at about 6:30 p.m. as she walked in the north bike lane of Santa Paula Street near Bradley Avenue, about a block from her home. The vehicle that struck her sped away without stopping. Fuerte died January 9 at Ventura County Medical Center from blunt force head injuries.Witnesses said the vehicle that struck Fuerte was a black or dark-colored 1999-2003 BMW 3 series, according to SPPD Detective Ken Clark. The BMW 3 series covers model numbers 318, 320, 323, 325, 328, 330 and 335.Clark said BMW representatives are “adamant that the part” left at the scene of the collision was from a two-door model. The photo of the example BMW and information on the hit and run have been running continuously on Time Warner Cable Channel 10.
