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Fatal Hit and Run Collision Update - Help Us Find This Truck

December 29, 2014, 3:30 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the public’s continued help in identifying the vehicle and driver.  Someone in the community knows that truck and the driver who would have been traveling on Soquel Ave around 6:36 AM the day after Christmas. 

Investigators continued to pour over evidence recovered from the fatal hit and run collision from Friday December 26, 2014.  

Video evidence gathered from area businesses helped to pinpoint the collision time, and captured the suspect vehicle fleeing from the scene.  The time was determined to be 6:36 AM.

One of the cameras actually captured the audible sound of the collision and then images of the suspect vehicle speeding away.  Thus far, images captured are not clear enough to depict the driver or a license plate number. 

Debris from the suspect’s car, collected at the scene, tends to indicate the vehicle is a white Toyota Tundra, approximately a 2007.  Here is a photo of a similar vehicle:

The truck could also be from a slightly earlier year like this one:

The vehicle will have damage to the right front and right side.  The evidence collected at the scene includes a right side mirror housing and fog lamp bumper housing.   

Investigators have followed up on a number of tips, but none have been the car involved in this collision.  


Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820.  Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com .  Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text.  Visit our Website for instructions.
 
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New Year's Eve Safety Plans in Full Swing Here at SCPD

December 29, 2014, 6:00 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department will be deploying all available officers to ensure a safe environment for New Year’s Eve 2014 - 2015.   This is one of those "All Hands On Deck" nights here at SCPD.  That's right, while you are reveling, we will be working to keep a lid on any "over-celebrating" and keep things safe. 

We will have additional officers on patrol throughout the Downtown corridor as well as the remainder of the city.  Assisting us with ancillary duties will be a small compliment of First Alarm security officers. 

As a reminder, the Police Department has enacted a Safety Enhancement Zone in the Downtown corridor throughout the evening and early morning hours.  The Safety Enhancement Zone will begin at 5:00 PM on December 31st and end at 5:00 AM on January 1st.   The Safety Enhancement Zone allows for a “Triple Fine” to be levied on certain Municipal Code violations, such as possession of alcoholic beverages in public and other behavior related Ordinances.

We want everyone who comes downtown to have a safe and enjoyable evening.  Leave the disrespectful attitudes and behavior at home.  If you are creating a problem, we will have plenty of officers there to make sure you don't ruin someone else's night.  Do yourself a favor....just don't do it.  The fine amount alone isn't worth it!

Certain road closures and Tow Away zones will also be in effect.  The following will be the road closures and Tow Away zones. 

Where
Starts
Ends
Knight Street
8:00 AM December 31st
2:00 AM January 1st



North Pacific


Between River St and Water St
10:30 PM December 31st
12:45 AM January 1st



Bulkhead Street
10:30 PM December 31st
12:45 AM January 1st



Water Street


Between River St and Center St
10:30 PM December 31st
12:45 AM January 1st



Tow Away & No Parking



Front Street


Between Water St and River St
10:30 PM December 31st
12:45 AM January 1st



1500 Block Pacific Avenue


Between Locust St and Water St
10:30 PM December 31st
12:45 AM January 1st

Attached is a map of those closures and Safety Enhancement Zone boundaries.  This year, we stepped it up a bit and made an interactive Google map.  You can check it out here: 

http://goo.gl/3VXQ0Y

If that doesnt work, here is a basic of the Safety Enhancement Zone boundaries. 

Parks & Rec is hosting their yearly countdown at the Town Clock, starting around 11:40 PM.  This includes a DJ, and light show to ring in the New Year.  
 
Have a Safe Night and a Happy New Year!! 

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New Year's Eve Wrap Up

January 1, 2015, 1:30 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department is pleased to announce that 2015 was welcomed without any major incidents of violence.  Good job Santa Cruz!!!

The police department deployed additional officers throughout the city as well as a significant contingent of officers on foot in the Downtown corridor. 

Crowds gathered at the Town Clock for a city sponsored Countdown Celebration.  Like last year, temperatures dipped to approximately 35 degrees around midnight. 
The city sponsored event drew a crowd of approximately 4,000 compared to last year of approximately 4,500 revelers. 

Our officers kept busy throughout the city, and in the Downtown.  Between 5:00 PM on December 31stand 5:00 AM on January 1st, officers responded to 159 calls for service.  This number is down from last year’s 222 calls during that same time.   

The following is a breakdown of the Downtown arrest statistics for the night. 

Arrests Total = 19
Public Intoxication = 8
Drug Possession = 8
Other = 3

Last year saw a total of 20 arrests on New Year’s Eve

Cites Total = 38

Triple Fine Cites = 26
(all for possession of open containers of alcohol)
Non Triple Fines Cites = 12

Last year saw a total of 81 cites with 42 of those being Triple Fines cites. 

One case of interest involved a group of approximately 20 individuals dressed in all black clothing, similar to “Black Bloc” activists.  Just prior to midnight, these individuals carried homemade banners promoting violence and death to police officers.   Here is a photo of one banner that was seized:


This is a sad reminder that this myopic mentality still exists and is even promoted in some segments of our community!!

The group made their way to the Santa Cruz County Jail at 259 Water Street where they vandalized County cars parked in the lot, by throwing rocks, bottles and paint at the cars.  

SCPD was able to capture and detain three members of the group for questioning and identification.  Unfortunately, at the time, the three could not specifically be identified as the ones vandalizing, although they were associated with the larger group.  They were released after questioning, pending further investigation.   

The three detainees traveled from various parts of the State to come to Santa Cruz to spread their hate and vandalize.  The group included a 23 year old male from Santa Cruz, 25 year old female from Reedley, CA, and a 29 year old female from Sacramento, CA.  

Unfortunately, our community has felt the destruction from groups like this in the past.  As such, our officers worked diligently to keep this group out of the downtown corridor and to keep additional vandalism from occurring.  

Other than this incident, it was a relatively peaceful night.  Happy New Year Santa Cruz.  Here is to a safe and prosperous 2015.  
 
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Outstanding Patrol Work by Officer Whaley

January 6, 2015, 2:00 pm
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On December 30, 2014 at approximately 2:45 a.m., Officer Whaley responded to the report of broken glass in the 1100 block of Soquel Ave. A witness had reported hearing the glass break and found the front glass door to a commercial business shattered. Upon Officer Whaley’s arrival, the subject responsible for the damage was not located but blood evidence was found at the scene that indicated the subject responsible may have injured themselves. There was also a cell phone found at the scene. The subject stole an unknown amount of money from the register. Officer Whaley was able to view video surveillance of the crime and provided a description of the subject to other officers.

On the same date at approximately 4:00 a.m. , Officer Whaley located a subject walking in the area of Ocean St and Coloma that matched the description of the subject he viewed on the video surveillance. While speaking with the subject, Officer Whaley noticed the subject had cuts on his chin and hands that were consistent with the blood evidence found at the scene. The subject was kind enough to identify the cell phone collected at the scene as his property for Officer Whaley. The subject was also in possession of money with blood on it. The subject was identified as James Lewis Wesley, 46 years old, and a Watsonville resident.
Wesley was taken into custody for felony vandalism, commercial burglary, and probation violation. Wesley was found to be on probation for felony vandalism, and burglary.

Great work by Officer Whaley once again!!
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Santa Cruz Community Gathers in Support of Law Enforcement Officers Nationwide

January 7, 2015, 2:00 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department would like to express their deep and humble appreciation to the members of our community who gathered in the front courtyard of the police building in support of Law Enforcement Officers nationwide.  

During the late afternoon of January 1, 2015 several members of our community came out to show their support for the good, dedicated and hard working officers who serve their communities honorably.  They also took this opportunity to remember those officers lost in the line of duty and to recognize the daily sacrifices made by the families of the brave men and women in law enforcement. This effort comes as some police departments across our great nation are coping with difficult times.  

We would also like to thank members of the Santa Cruz Fire Department, Watsonville Police Chief Manny Solano, Santa Cruz County District Attorney Inspector Henry Montes, Scotts Valley Police Lt. John Hohmann (ret.) and the many other county wide law enforcement partners who gathered with us.

It was truly encouraging to see our community stand with us in support and partnership.  Santa Cruz is blessed to have such an actively engaged and positive community who support the work being done by our law enforcement professionals to keep our communities safe.

The following photos are courtesy of Tim Cattera Photography.  Thank you Tim!










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Officer Attacked During Arrest-Sustains Injury

January 8, 2015, 10:30 am
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On January 7, 2015 at 1:40 pm one of our Santa Cruz Police Officers was on regular patrol in the area of Pacific Ave and Center St. The officer noticed our suspect was in the middle of the round-about. The officer witnessed the suspect acting strangely and attempted to pull a motorcyclist off of his motorcycle as it traveled through the intersection. As soon as the officer contacted the suspect, he became extremely uncooperative and confrontational.

The suspect attacked the officer during the contact and tried to gouge the officer's eye out. The officer was able to fight off the attack, call for assistance, and deployed his Taser. Unfortunately, the Taser was not effective and the suspect fled from the officer. Additional officers responded and found the suspect a couple blocks away near Beach St. The suspect continued to be confrontational and uncooperative toward the backup officers. The backup officers deployed an additional Taser, which was effective. The backup officers were able to take the suspect safely into custody. Arrested was:

Robert Craig 33 year old, Transient
 
The officer sustained significant injuries to his eye as the suspect attempted to gouge the eye of the officer during the struggle.  The officer was treated and released from Dominican Hospital and will need to follow up with an eye care specialist to determine the extent of damage.

The suspect, Robert Craig has one prior arrest in Santa Cruz in November 2014 for possession of methamphetamine. He had a current warrant out for his arrest for failure to appear on this previous offense. Following the arrest, Mr. Craig was transported to Dominican Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and later booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for felony battery on a police officer, resisting arrest, attempt mayhem, and threats on a police officer.

It is not known when the Officer will return to work. 
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Update On Hit and Run Fatality Investigation

January 12, 2015, 3:30 pm
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Background:
On December 26, 2014 at 6:36 a.m. a fatal hit and run collision occurred involving a vehicle and bicyclist at Soquel Ave and Hagemann Ave. The bicyclist was pronounced dead at the scene by responding officers and medics. After processing the evidence and consulting with our local car parts experts in the area, it was believed that the vehicle involved in the collision was a white Toyota Tundra, possibly a 2007 model.

After further analysis of the evidence and consultation with parts experts, it has now been determined that the suspect vehicle involved in the collision could also be a white Ford F150 single cab pickup with possible year models being between 2006 and 2008.
 
The suspect vehicle should have damage to the right front area as well as the passenger side door and passenger side mirror.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the public’s continued help in identifying the vehicle and driver. Someone in the community knows that truck and the driver who would have been traveling on Soquel Ave around 6:36 a.m the day after Christmas.

Investigators have followed up on a number of tips, but none have been the car involved in this collision.

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com . Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text. Visit our Website for instructions.
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Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Loaded Firearm

January 15, 2015, 2:00 pm
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On Wednesday January 14, 2015 the Santa Cruz Police Department was dispatched to the 100 block of Sycamore St. for the report of gang members loitering. Members of the Santa Cruz Police Department Neighborhood Enforcement Team responded and contacted 4 subjects. During the course of the investigation one of the subjects was found in possession of a loaded semi-automatic .22 caliber pistol.

The subject found in possession of the firearm was identified as Clyde Ortega, a 21 year old Santa Cruz resident. Ortega is currently on probation for a previous weapons violation and has gang terms. Ortega has previous contacts with the Santa Cruz Police Department related to gang activity. Ortega was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for possessing a concealed loaded firearm, probation violation, and participation in gang activity.
 
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SCPD Mourns the Loss of Officer Tom Young

January 18, 2015, 3:00 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department mourns the loss Officer Tom Young on Sunday January 11, 2015 after a brave, courageous and valiant battle with cancer.


Thomas Craig Young
May 12, 1964 - January 11, 2015
A Resident of Santa Cruz

Thomas Craig Young lost his brave, courageous and valiant battle with cancer on January 11, 2015 at home in Santa Cruz, Ca. surrounded by his family.

Tom was born May 12, 1964 in Long Beach, Ca. He grew up in Southern California, where he met and married his wife, Julie. Early on, Tom was dedicated to serving his community. He was a Co-founder of Partners in Recovery, a non-profit mental health and addiction community treatment center, where he worked for 8 years. Tom and Julie moved to Santa Cruz in 1994, and they were blessed with 2 beautiful children. Tom was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church and later became an Elder of the Church. Tom dedicated almost 20 years further serving his community with Santa Cruz Police Department. He was an avid fisherman, a committed Husband and Father, and a leader amongst his peers.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Julie, daughter Danielle and son Dylan, of Santa Cruz, Ca, his mother Betty Young of Laverne, Ca., sister Amy Babik of Pasadena, Ca and twin brother Robert Young of Glendora, Ca. 

Services will be held at 11:30 on Saturday January 24, at the UCSC Music Center Recital Hall.

In Honor of Tom, there will be a memorial park bench and plaque in the City of Santa Cruz. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome and should be coordinated by clicking here. 

If you would like to send your condolences to Tom's family, share your memories, view or post photos or light a candle, please visit www.scmemorial.com - See more by clicking here.
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SCPD Says Goodbye to Officer Tom Young

January 26, 2015, 3:30 pm
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Thomas Craig Young
May 12, 1964 - January 11, 2015

On Saturday January 24, 2015, members of the Santa Cruz Police Department said goodbye to one of our own.  Officer Tom Young was laid to rest after a memorial service attended by hundreds of guests, which included Officer Young’s family, members of the Santa Cruz Police Department, members of law enforcement agencies and fire departments from across our county, as well as members of our community.  It was a fitting tribute to Tom, who will always be remembered as one of Santa Cruz’s finest.

The morning began with a procession, including marked emergency vehicles, from Santa Cruz Memorial to the Recital Hall at UCSC, which had over 400 guests present.  The memorial service was officiated by the Reverend Richard Rice of the Messiah Lutheran Church in Santa Cruz.  Remembrances and reflections of Tom were delivered by Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel, Tom’s brother-in-law Ben Matheny, Santa Cruz Police Officer Trevor Kendall and Capitola Police Chief Rudy Escalante.  The Santa Cruz Police Department Honor Guard posted the colors at the onset of the service and retired them at the conclusion.  There was a flag ceremony in which Tom’s wife Julie received a folded American Flag from Chief Vogel, as well as a heart-wrenching last radio call tribute to Tom that was broadcast at the service by our dispatch center, Santa Cruz Regional 911.  The ceremony concluded with Officer Pat Bayani playing Taps on his trumpet.

The Santa Cruz Police Department would like to thank all who attended the memorial service to honor Tom Young’s life and his service to our community.  We would like to thank the Santa Cruz Fire Department for the static display of the American Flag from their two ladder trucks at the west entrance to the UCSC campus on Saturday morning.  We would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, the California Highway Patrol and the UCSC Police Department for keeping Santa Cruz safe by providing police services to our community on Saturday so that every member of the Santa Cruz Police Department could attend the memorial service for Tom.  Our thanks goes out to Santa Cruz Memorial and Randy Krassow for making sure the arrangements for Tom were handled perfectly.  Lastly, our thanks goes out to Alison Lucas and her staff at the UCSC Arts Division Dean's Office for their generous contribution and assistance with the venue where the memorial service for Tom was held, The Recital Hall at UCSC.

As Chief Vogel said when he concluded his remarks at the memorial service, “We know you are safe.  We love you, we will miss you and we will never forget.  May God bless you and may you rest in peace.”
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DUI Collision and Arrest, Power Outage

January 30, 2015, 1:30 am
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On January 29, 2015 just before midnight, officers responded to Soquel Ave and Forest Ave for a solo vehicle collision into a P.G.& E power pole. Officers found the driver, identified as Jose Antonio Ramirez Diaz at the scene of the collision with minor injuries. The 2002 Chevy Tahoe that Diaz was driving had sheared the power pole, which was only hanging by the attached wires. Diaz refused medical attention for his minor injuries.
Diaz was placed under arrest for driving without a driver's license and driving while under the influence of alcohol. It was estimated that 1200 P.G.&E customers lost their power as a result of this collision. Parts of Soquel Ave were shut down until P.G.&E responded to make the area safe. A Nixle Alert was sent out advising the community of the traffic conditions.

Here is a photo of what happens when you drive a vehicle and you really shouldn't be driving:
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Stay Connected with Important Public Safety Information

February 4, 2015, 12:00 pm
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The Santa Cruz Police Department uses the Code Red Emergency Notification system through the Santa Cruz Regional 911 dispatch center to notify community members of an active emergency situation.

With the growing trend of households giving up their traditional landline phones and going completely cellular, we have found some people are being left out of the information loop during these emergency situations. 

To help ensure you are not left out, the Santa Cruz Police Department encourages community members to register their cell phones with the Code Red Emergency Notification system and associate their cell phone numbers with their residence or business.

 
On the home page, all you have to do is click on “Register your Cellular or VOIP Phone for Code Red Emergency Notifications”. That link will take you to a page where you list your name, address (residential or business) and phone number. It’s that simple! To quickly and easily register simply click here.

The Code Red Emergency Notification system also provides a mobile app that can be downloaded onto your cell phone through the Apple Store or the Google Play. The app provides a location-based multimedia alert system. You will be required to activate your GPS services so the system can send you alerts based on your location. Subscribers within the location of an alert issued by a public safety organization using the Code Red Emergency Notification system will receive alerts through this application.

Simply click here to begin the process to download the mobile app either for an iphone or Android. Once you are on the home page, you click on “Code Red” and that will take you to this page below. You can watch a video that talks about how the system works and can begin the downloading process by clicking “Code Red Mobile Alert app”. This will present the option of going to the Apple Store or Google Play. 

 
The Santa Cruz Police Department and the Santa Cruz Regional 911 dispatch center strives to keep community members informed with up-to-date public safety information and strongly suggests the community to stay connected with valuable information. By going to either one of these websites above, you can be connected either at home, work, or on the road. You can also receive alerts through the Code Red Emergency Notification System while in another jurisdiction that uses this same system.
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Name that "Bubbly Bandit"

February 10, 2015, 2:00 pm
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On January 19, 2015 at approximately 5:30 p.m. this individual forgot to pay for some high-end champagne from Shopper's Corner. She made off with 6 bottles of champagne worth $600 total. It's hard to tell on these photos, but she concealed all 6 bottles in her jacket.

After walking out of the store, she drove off in an older model green Ford Explorer.

These are great photos, and somebody has to know who she is. We would appreciate any help from the community on solving this "Bubbly Bandit".

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820.  Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or click here to go to our Website.  Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text.  Visit our Website for instructions.



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Two Santa Cruz Police Officers Commended For Their Work

February 12, 2015, 4:30 pm
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On February 10, 2015 both Officer Sean Terry and Officer Matthew Mulvihill received awards presented by Chief Kevin Vogel at the City Council Meeting. Both Officers received awards recognizing their efforts in the recovery of stolen vehicles within the City of Santa Cruz. Officer Terry received the White 10851 Award and Officer Mulvihill received the Master 10851 Award. 10851 is the vehicle code section for stolen vehicle.

The 10851 Award is a state award given in cooperation with AAA and the California Highway Patrol. The Award recognizes superior efforts in the recovery of stolen vehicles.

Officer Terry received the White 10851 Award for recovering 12 stolen vehicles and making 4 arrests within a 12-month period. These recoveries resulted in $58,700 worth of stolen vehicles. This is Officer Terry's first 10851 Award.

Officer Mulvihill received the Master 10851 Award for recovering 111 stolen vehicles since 2011. Officer Mulvihill received the White 10851 Award in 2011, 2 in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The 111 stolen vehicle recoveries totaled over $500,000 worth of stolen vehicles. Officer Mulvihill was one of 3 Officers in the entire Coastal Division to receive this award. The Coastal Division runs from Ventura County up to Santa Cruz County. The last time an Officer from the Santa Cruz Police Department received this award was over 20 years ago.

Both of these awards are tremendous accomplishments by both Officer Terry and Officer Mulvihill. Please join the Santa Cruz Police Department Family in congratulating both of these fine Officers!!
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The "Bubbly Bandit" is in Custody

February 16, 2015, 2:30 pm
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On February 10, 2014 the Santa Cruz Police Department posted photos of the "Bubbly Bandit" stealing $600 worth of high-end champagne from Shopper's Corner.
 
The very next morning we received a tip identifying the "Bubbly Bandit" as Laurie Soderman.

On February 16, 2014 Mrs. Soderman turned herself in at the Santa Cruz Police Department. She was booked into the County Jail for misdemeanor theft and a probation violation. She has an extensive history for theft and is currently on felony probation for prior theft convictions. 


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Baker-Butler Memorial Day-We Will Never Forget

February 25, 2015, 4:30 pm
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February 26, 2013 will be a day that we all will never forget. On this day, Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler were tragically killed in the line-of-duty. This day was the worst day in the history of the Santa Cruz Police Department.

On February 24, 2015 the Santa Cruz City Council passed a resolution declaring February 26th as "Baker-Butler Memorial Day" in the City of Santa Cruz in perpetuity and authorizing City of Santa Cruz staff to lower flags at all City facilities to half-staff on this date each year. Mayor Don Lane asked the Council to adopt the resolution designating, in perpetuity, February 26th as "Baker-Butler Memorial Day", honoring our fallen Officers while serving the community they loved. Council acknowledged the exemplary service and the ultimate sacrifice these Officers and their families made. Council adopted the resolution with a 7-0 vote.
 

Tomorrow, Thursday February 26, 2015 marks the two-year anniversary that the Santa Cruz Police Department so tragically lost our brother and sister. We are reminded of the constant danger of our profession that we have all so proudly been sworn-in to perform. There remains a constant sense of tremendous sadness from this loss. The Santa Cruz Police Department Family continues to try and heal, and will always remember Sergeant Butch Baker and Detective Elizabeth Butler for the ultimate sacrifice they made for this community. 

We are so grateful for all the love and support shown to us by so many in the community.  Many of you have shared how much Butch and Elizabeth meant to you and how much you appreciate all the hard work by all the men and women here at SCPD.  




We miss both of them and will never forget!




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SCPD Announces Arrests in Homicide Case from Friday April 3, 2015

April 6, 2015, 5:30 pm
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Background

On Friday April 3, 2015 at approximately 7:30 p.m. the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to the report of gun shots in the area of River St. and North Pacific Ave. Upon our arrival, one victim was located with a single gunshot wound to his upper torso. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Santa Cruz Fire Medical personnel. 

Suspect Brandon Thomas, 22-yrs old

                                                                        Information

The Santa Cruz Police Department has arrested and booked a second suspect for his involvement in the homicide. The second suspect is identified as Jonah Namauu, 23 years, Santa Cruz resident. Namauu was a person of interest early in the investigation. He had been detained on Saturday April 4, 2015, interviewed, and ultimately booked into the jail on a parole violation. Namauu has now been arrested and booked into the County Jail on charges of murder, attempted murder, gang enhancement, discharge of a firearm, the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and conspiracy. A photo will be released at a later time pending further investigation.

The first suspect that was arrested on Saturday April 4, 2015 at approximately 11:00 a.m. is identified as Brandon Thomas, 22 years, Santa Cruz resident. Thomas was arrested in less than 24 hours of the homicide on a $1 million dollar arrest warrant. Thomas has been charged with murder, attempted murder, gang enhancement, discharge of a firearm, the discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, and conspiracy.

The victim of the homicide has been identified as Samuel Weinberg, 18 years, Santa Cruz resident.

The investigation is continuing.
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Mrs. Doubtfire Bank Robbery

April 7, 2015, 11:00 am
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Name the Mrs. Doubtfire Bank Robbery Suspect!!

On Friday April 3, 2015 at approximately 3:00 p.m., the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd was robbed for an undisclosed amount of money.The suspect used a note demanding money and no weapon was seen. Nobody inside the bank was injured. Capitola PD and the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department assisted in the search of the suspect but to no avail.

On the same day approximately 1 hour before the bank robbery, the same suspect was in the Rabo Bank located at 3110 Mission Dr in the county. The suspect was acting suspicious and contacted by bank employees. The suspect left the bank without committing any criminal act. It appears that the same suspect was possibly casing the bank. When the bank employees contacted the suspect they were surprised to see that although the suspect was dressed like a female, the suspect was actually a male. Hence the title, the Mrs. Doubtfire bank robbery.

The suspect is described as approximately 25-35 years old, 160-170 pounds, 5’5” tall, with dark skin. The suspect is wearing prescription glasses, a wavy blond wig, navy blue scrubs, and a light purple long sleeve undershirt.


The Santa Cruz Police Department is in need of some help from the community. We believe these are great photos of the suspect and somebody in the community has to recognize this person.
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Arrest of Suspect for Lewd Acts with a Minor

April 14, 2015, 4:00 pm
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On Thursday April 9, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. the Santa Cruz Police Department arrested a suspect for inappropriate lewd acts with a minor. The victim was more than 10 years younger than the suspect. The suspect was known to the victim. The victim was a 15 year old female.

After an exhaustive investigation by the Santa Cruz Police Department Detectives, the suspect was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on a $100,000 warrant for his arrest on 4 counts of lewd acts with a minor. The investigation included a collaborative effort including law enforcement agencies in Arizona and Virginia.

Suspect: Brian Nelson, 45 years old, and a Santa Cruz resident. (photo below)

 
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Keep Your Eyes Open for this Guy

April 20, 2015, 4:00 am
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The Santa Cruz Police Department is constantly battling the up-hill struggle of arresting suspects involved in criminal activity and then dealing with them again shortly after they are released from custody. This last weekend SCPD arrested the same suspect within 14 hours of each other for petty theft and residential burglary. 

On Friday April 18, 2015 the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to the 100 block of Van Ness for a report of a subject stealing a bike. A neighbor witnessed the suspect enter the backyard of a residence and tugging on a bike which was locked up. When the neighbor contacted the suspect, the suspect admitted to trying to steal the bike. SCPD was called and contacted the suspect who continued to tug on the bike. The bike was worth over $300. The suspect, identified as Benjamin Jeffrey Smith, was booked into jail for petty theft.

Smith was released from custody on Saturday April 19, 2015 at approximately 3:00 a.m. Not even 6 hours later Smith was back at it again, but this time trying to victimize a resident on the eastside of town. 

At approximately 9:00 a.m., a neighbor witnessed Smith enter the backyard of a residence in the 200 block of Fairmount. The neighbor called the owner of the residence and notified them of the person in their backyard. The residents then witnessed Smith in their backyard and in their shed. It appeared Smith was trying to steal a bike and an air compressor. SCPD was called and contacted Smith in the backyard. Once again, Smith was booked into jail for residential burglary, loitering on private property, resisting arrest, and possession of a dirk or dagger. This time Smith's bail was increased from $25,000 to $35,000 and hopefully will remain in custody until he gets to speak to a Judge.

Smith has an extensive criminal history with SCPD. Just within the last year and a half, Smith has been arrested multiple times for offenses including residential burglary, vehicle burglary, petty theft, and possession of narcotics.

Based on how history repeats itself, we suspect that Smith will be out in our community fairly soon. Please keep an eye out for him. During the latter incident described above, Smith is believed to be associated with other thieves driving an older dirty white Ford Ranger regular cab pickup. Smith is currently transient.

Thanks to the great neighbors in both of these incidents for being watchful of their neighborhoods and immediately reporting suspicious activity.Both of these are great examples of the community working in collaboration with SCPD.
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