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SCPD #Community Gives
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ONE LESS GUN: SCPD Proactive Policing Enables Officers To Arrest Suspect with Loaded Firearm & Two Suspects on Drug Charges
Andrew Tennyson (23 years old) from Santa Cruz
Isaiah Hayden (20 years old) from Soquel
Nicholas Smith (20 years old) from Santa Cruz.
A search of the vehicle incident to the arrest of all three subjects revealed a few grams of methamphetamine, as well as prescription pills, and a loaded concealed firearm. Andrew Tennyson was arrested for possession of the loaded firearm, while Isaiah Hayden and Nicholas Smith were both arrested on drug-related charges.
The Santa Cruz Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team is a specialized unit. NET works as a team to focus on mid to long-term issues often times associated with gangs, drugs and other chronic problems throughout the City of Santa Cruz..
SCPD is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
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2017 Recipients of the Jim Howes Community Service Award
Today the City Council honored two very deserving individuals for their service to the community. Please join us in congratulating the 2017 winners of the Officer Jim Howes Community Service Award - Julie Schneider and Chip.
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About Julie Schneider – City Employee Recipient
Julie has worked as a Victim’s Advocate for the City for nearly 28 years. Collaborating with the police department, Julie helps victims from their first interaction with law enforcement until their case ends. In this role, Julie comes into people’s lives when things have gone horribly wrong and helps them navigate the criminal justice system. From walking through a homicide scene to console a distraught family member, to sitting on the floor with a shell-shocked sexual assault victim to reassure them of their safety, to helping a rookie police officer talk with a domestic violence victim, Julie has done it all. Part counselor, mentor and bulldog, Julie walks victims and their families through police procedures, courtroom protocol and legal jargon used in their cases. She is an adamant defender of victims’ rights and passionately works to ensure those rights are honored by the justice system. Julie’s knowledge and understanding of victims’ rights has been essential in building trust and cooperation between the community, the police department and the justice system.
About Chip – Community Recipient
As Executive Director of the Downtown Association for nearly a decade, Chip has been a tireless champion and advocate for Santa Cruz’s Downtown. Chip is also a valued and active participant in city government, regularly attending Council and Commission meetings to speak about policies and to offer ideas on behalf of Downtown interests. Against this backdrop of community-oriented efforts, Chip took up an extraordinary project to help our community. After visiting a program in San Jose called Downtown Streets Team, a homeless service program focused on jobs and community benefit, Chip became a champion of bringing this program to Santa Cruz. In addition to organizing tours for city leadership and promoting the program in professional and personal meetings, Chip took up a personal challenge: he personally set out to raise $50,000 to support the program coming to Santa Cruz. With the $50,000 matching funds from Chip, the City provided the balance and now the Downtown Streets Team is up and running and making a profound difference in the cleanliness of our City and to help those most in need attain a job, job training and other support. Chip was the lynchpin in bringing the Downtown Streets Team to Santa Cruz, and this was accomplished above and beyond his ongoing, excellent work on behalf of our Downtown.
The Jim Howes Award is given annually to community members and City employees for outstanding service to the Santa Cruz community, and was created in honor of Officer Jim Howes, who retired in 2007 after serving as a Santa Cruz Police Officer for 26 years. Officer Howes was known throughout the City for his positive approach in relationship-building between the City and Santa Cruz community.
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Julie has worked as a Victim’s Advocate for the City for nearly 28 years. Collaborating with the police department, Julie helps victims from their first interaction with law enforcement until their case ends. In this role, Julie comes into people’s lives when things have gone horribly wrong and helps them navigate the criminal justice system. From walking through a homicide scene to console a distraught family member, to sitting on the floor with a shell-shocked sexual assault victim to reassure them of their safety, to helping a rookie police officer talk with a domestic violence victim, Julie has done it all. Part counselor, mentor and bulldog, Julie walks victims and their families through police procedures, courtroom protocol and legal jargon used in their cases. She is an adamant defender of victims’ rights and passionately works to ensure those rights are honored by the justice system. Julie’s knowledge and understanding of victims’ rights has been essential in building trust and cooperation between the community, the police department and the justice system.
About Chip – Community Recipient
As Executive Director of the Downtown Association for nearly a decade, Chip has been a tireless champion and advocate for Santa Cruz’s Downtown. Chip is also a valued and active participant in city government, regularly attending Council and Commission meetings to speak about policies and to offer ideas on behalf of Downtown interests. Against this backdrop of community-oriented efforts, Chip took up an extraordinary project to help our community. After visiting a program in San Jose called Downtown Streets Team, a homeless service program focused on jobs and community benefit, Chip became a champion of bringing this program to Santa Cruz. In addition to organizing tours for city leadership and promoting the program in professional and personal meetings, Chip took up a personal challenge: he personally set out to raise $50,000 to support the program coming to Santa Cruz. With the $50,000 matching funds from Chip, the City provided the balance and now the Downtown Streets Team is up and running and making a profound difference in the cleanliness of our City and to help those most in need attain a job, job training and other support. Chip was the lynchpin in bringing the Downtown Streets Team to Santa Cruz, and this was accomplished above and beyond his ongoing, excellent work on behalf of our Downtown.
The Jim Howes Award is given annually to community members and City employees for outstanding service to the Santa Cruz community, and was created in honor of Officer Jim Howes, who retired in 2007 after serving as a Santa Cruz Police Officer for 26 years. Officer Howes was known throughout the City for his positive approach in relationship-building between the City and Santa Cruz community.
Deputy Chief Martinez with SCPD Victim Advocate Julie Schneider
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Community Invitation To Walk With Us - Santa Cruz Police & NAACP Santa Cruz For 2018 MLK March For The Dream
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills is honored and excited to announce that the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch and the Santa Cruz Police Department will co-sponsor the first joint Santa Cruz MLK Day March.
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The theme is “March for the Dream – Honor the Past, Impact the Future.” The March will be held on Monday, January 15, 2018. We begin at 10:00 a.m. at Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street and end on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene for speeches and family-friendly activities to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The March for the Dream is an opportunity to put Dr. King’s words and ideas into practice by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and appreciation.
“The MLK Day March is family friendly, inspiring, and collaborative, said SCPD Chief Mills. It’s also an opportunity for the businesses, social and community groups that make this city strong to come out and be recognized while supporting a common cause.”
We invite individuals and community groups/clubs/congregations to Walk With Us; RSVP your group name and the estimated number of people online. We invite you to fill out an application and secure your place in the march. The application deadline is January 10, 2018. Staging begins at 9:00 a.m. on Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
To volunteer for one of the many activities necessary to put on this event, please sign up online. We look forward to working with you.
Event details are available online at www.cityofsantacruz.com/community/mlk-march-2018 or the NAACP Santa Cruz Facebook page. For more information, please call 831-420-5844 or 831-429-2266.
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We invite you to march with the Santa Cruz Police Department and the local NAACP. We believe as Dr. King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
The March for the Dream is an opportunity to put Dr. King’s words and ideas into practice by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and appreciation.
“The MLK Day March is family friendly, inspiring, and collaborative, said SCPD Chief Mills. It’s also an opportunity for the businesses, social and community groups that make this city strong to come out and be recognized while supporting a common cause.”
We invite individuals and community groups/clubs/congregations to Walk With Us; RSVP your group name and the estimated number of people online. We invite you to fill out an application and secure your place in the march. The application deadline is January 10, 2018. Staging begins at 9:00 a.m. on Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
To volunteer for one of the many activities necessary to put on this event, please sign up online. We look forward to working with you.
Event details are available online at www.cityofsantacruz.com/community/mlk-march-2018 or the NAACP Santa Cruz Facebook page. For more information, please call 831-420-5844 or 831-429-2266.
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SCPD Announces Promotion Of Sergeant Dan Forbus
The Santa Cruz Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Detective Dan Forbus to the rank of Sergeant.
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Sergeant Forbus, an 11-year veteran of the department, will be assigned to the Operations Division. “Sergeant Forbus brings a wealth of experience to this position and will be a welcomed addition to an already strong group of sergeants," said Chief Mills. "Dan has outstanding leadership qualities and professional skills that will contribute to the continued success of our department."
Over the course of his career, Sergeant Forbus worked in various assignments including patrol, the Down Town Unit, Field Training Officer, Investigations and a member of the Honor Guard. Forbus is a highly skilled investigator and often at the heart of the significant and most serious cases affecting the Santa Cruz community.
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Dan born and raised in Santa Cruz comes from a family tradition steeped in law enforcement. His father is retired Deputy Don Forbus, and his older brother Sergeant Dave Forbus works for SCPD as well. Dan is married with two children and lives in Santa Cruz.
Sergeant Forbus also excels as a teacher and mentor by working with high school students as a Criminal Justice ROP instructor. He also volunteers to teach in the department’s PRIDE Program, Teen Public Safety Academy, and Citizen’s Academies.
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Chief Andrew Mills said “Sergeant is one of the most important roles in our organization. I’m confident that Sergeant Forbus will be successful in his new post.”
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Sergeant Forbus on achieving a significant milestone in his career.
Over the course of his career, Sergeant Forbus worked in various assignments including patrol, the Down Town Unit, Field Training Officer, Investigations and a member of the Honor Guard. Forbus is a highly skilled investigator and often at the heart of the significant and most serious cases affecting the Santa Cruz community.
Sergeant Forbus also excels as a teacher and mentor by working with high school students as a Criminal Justice ROP instructor. He also volunteers to teach in the department’s PRIDE Program, Teen Public Safety Academy, and Citizen’s Academies.
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Sergeant Forbus on achieving a significant milestone in his career.
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SCPD Arrest Prowlers And Recover Packaged Merchandise - Help Get Gifts Home For The Holidays
Do you recognize this jacket?![]()
SCPD recovered packaged jackets from suspect prowlers. Did they get stolen from your doorstep? We would very much like to get it back to the rightful owner in time to wrap and put under the tree.
On 12/9/17 at approximately 11:25 pm, SCPD Officers responded to the 300 block of Pelton Avenue on a report of a male and female subjects who were prowling in a residential backyard.![]()
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Officers located Ryvera Knutson, 23 years old from Brookdale and Dorin Lyngstad 39 years old from Santa Cruz who matched the description sitting on the curb near the 100 block Phelan Court.
Miss Knutson and Mr. Lyngstad had multiple bags and various items on the sidewalk including 3 fur jackets made by Urban Republic. The fur jackets were all identical with original tags still attached in original packaging![]()
Officer asked Mr. Lyngstad what they were doing, and he said they were just looking for a power outlet in the backyard to charge his phone. The pair then realized they had a power bank and did not need a power outlet.![]()
Ryvera Knutson and Dorin Lyngstad put under arrest for prowling.
Let's get these gifts back to the rightful owner. Do you recognize this jacket? Contact Detective Pendleton at 831-420-5832 or spendleton@cityofsantacruz.com
On 12/9/17 at approximately 11:25 pm, SCPD Officers responded to the 300 block of Pelton Avenue on a report of a male and female subjects who were prowling in a residential backyard.
Miss Knutson and Mr. Lyngstad had multiple bags and various items on the sidewalk including 3 fur jackets made by Urban Republic. The fur jackets were all identical with original tags still attached in original packaging
Let's get these gifts back to the rightful owner. Do you recognize this jacket? Contact Detective Pendleton at 831-420-5832 or spendleton@cityofsantacruz.com
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SCPD Wrapping Up Cases While You Wrap Presents
Neighborhood Enforcement Team and K9 Luna Nab Drugs and Two Probation Violators
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On Friday evening, December 22nd, 2017 around 11:00 pm, Officers from the Santa Cruz Police Department Neighborhood Enforcement Team responded to complaints about suspicious activity from a first floor hotel room in the 600 block of Riverside Avenue. Officers located a suspicious vehicle associated to the hotel room in question and identified one of the occupants as Sean Oliver, a 32 year old resident of Santa Cruz. Officers confirmed that Sean Oliver was on probation and attempted to conduct a probation compliance check. When Officers knocked on the door to the hotel room, the occupants dead-bolted the door and refused to allow the Officers to enter. SCPD Officers, with help from K-9 Luna, forced entry into the hotel room. Officers initially arrested Sean Oliver and a second subject, Tyler Huffman. Mr. Huffman, a 21 year old resident of Felton, is also on probation Both were charged with resisting, obstructing and delaying a peace officer, and probation violation.
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The following investigation revealed that Sean Oliver and Tyler Huffman were in possession of methamphetamine, digital scales and other drug paraphernalia. They also disposed of a large quantity of methamphetamine before Officers made entry to the hotel room. Both subjects were additionally booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on several other related charges, including maintaining a place where drugs are used or sold, and possession of potentially stolen property with the serial numbers removed.
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The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, while improving the quality of life throughout the city.
Sean Oliver Tyler Huffman
The Santa Cruz Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team is a proactive specialized unit. NET works to focus on mid to long-term issues often times associated with gangs, drugs and other chronic problems throughout the City of Santa Cruz. If you have criminal activity or chronic problems in your neighborhood, please contact the SCPD Neighborhood Enforcement Team at: NET@cityofsantacruz.com
The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, while improving the quality of life throughout the city.
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New Year’s Eve Safety Enhancement Zone designation in Downtown Santa Cruz
Every available SCPD Officers will be patrolling downtown as well as our neighborhoods to ensure a safe environment for New Year’s Eve. SCPD has enacted a Safety Enhancement Zone designation for the downtown corridor in the City of Santa Cruz.
The City of Santa Cruz Safety Enhancement Zone boundaries and road closures is accessible on our Google Maps http://goo.gl/3VXQ0Y
Why create a Safety Enhancement Zone?
Public Safety is SCPD's #1 priority. We want downtown to be a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone.
What time is the Safety Enhancement Zone in effect?
The Safety Enhancement Zone in the downtown corridor will begin at 5:00 PM on December 31st and end at 5:00 AM on January 1st.
What happens in the Safety Enhancement Zone?
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 unsafe or illegal behavior related Ordinances.
What is the purpose of the Triple Fines?
The goal of triple fines is to deter unwanted behavior. The fines are very expensive. It's an extra incentive for rowdy people to keep their behavior in check.
Parks & Rec is hosting their yearly countdown at the Town Clock, starting around 11:40 PM. The crowd rings in the new year with a DJ and light show.
Don't Drink and Drive! Statistically, driving accidents go up during the holidays, so it's crucial to have a safe ride on New Year's Eve. Find a sober designated driver to get you home safely!
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New Year’s Eve Statistics 2017/18
The Santa Cruz Police Department is pleased to announce that 2018 was welcomed in without any major incidents of violence during the festivities downtown. SCPD 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. The temperature dipped to approximately 50 degrees around midnight. The event drew a crowd of approximately 3,000 revelers.![]()
Officers kept busy throughout the city and in the Downtown corridor ensuring a safe New Year’s Eve celebration for all. Between 5:00 PM on December 31st and 2:00 AM on January 1st, Officers responded to 139 calls for service.
The New Year Eve and January 1st early morning deployment reported the following activity:
Total Arrests: 9 arrests total, mostly consisting of public intoxication.
Last year: 12 arrests
Total 27 Citations Issued; 17 for Triple Fine Cites.
The majority of these triple fines were for open containers of alcohol.
Last year saw a total of 19 cites with 11 of those being Triple Fines cites.
Overall, downtown Santa Cruz arrests were down and citations were up from 2017.
New Year’s Eve 2017/2018 turned out to be a peaceful and enjoyable event for the city.
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#SantaCruzPolice#GRATITUDE: To everybody who helps SCPD support the community we say: Thank you and looking forward to working together to make our city even safer in 2018.
#HappyNewYear2018#WeAreInThisTogether@CityofSantaCruz#GoForIt
The New Year Eve and January 1st early morning deployment reported the following activity:
Total Arrests: 9 arrests total, mostly consisting of public intoxication.
Last year: 12 arrests
Total 27 Citations Issued; 17 for Triple Fine Cites.
The majority of these triple fines were for open containers of alcohol.
Last year saw a total of 19 cites with 11 of those being Triple Fines cites.
Overall, downtown Santa Cruz arrests were down and citations were up from 2017.
New Year’s Eve 2017/2018 turned out to be a peaceful and enjoyable event for the city.
#HappyNewYear2018#WeAreInThisTogether@CityofSantaCruz#GoForIt
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Santa Cruz Police Seize 6 Guns From Convicted Felon
As the SCPD patrol team canvassed the area and interviewed witnesses, dispatch reported a call of a man wielding an ax in the 200 block of McPherson Street. Officers immediately responded and located a truck matching the description provided in the Western Drive incident. The vehicle was empty, but several firearms were in plain view, including a 12 gauge shotgun.
Michael Tracy’s background investigation revealed he is a convicted felon and is out of jail on his recognizance from a previous gun case.
Santa Cruz Police arrested Michael Tracy for six counts of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a large capacity magazine, negligent discharge of a firearm and possession of ammunition.
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Vehicle Versus Pedestrian Fatal Collision SANTA CRUZ POLICE Media Release 18S-00151
The release of the pedestrian’s name is pending notification of his family.
The driver of the Mercedes is a 57-year-old man from San Jose. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing. The exact details of the collision has not yet been determined.![]()
Northbound Highway 1 @ River Street closed as a result of the collision investigation. The roadway re-opened at approximately 2:35 a.m. on 1/6/18.
The Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information or who witnessed this collision to contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.
The driver of the Mercedes is a 57-year-old man from San Jose. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. The driver was not arrested or cited, as the investigation is still ongoing. The exact details of the collision has not yet been determined.
The Santa Cruz Police Department asks that anyone with information or who witnessed this collision to contact investigators at 831- 420-5820.
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Santa Cruz MLK March for the Dream - January 15, 2018 Join Us!
Chief Mills invites everyone to share in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. inspirational message of peace, justice and community and March For The Dream on Monday, January 15, 2018.![]()
Together, the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch and the Santa Cruz Police Department will co-sponsor the first joint Santa Cruz MLK Day March. It is going to be an extraordinary event.
We invite individuals, community groups, clubs, and congregations to Walk With Us in the march in honor of Dr. King.
The route starts on Cathcart Street and Pacific Avenue and ends on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene with speeches and family-friendly activities on Cooper Street in partnership with the Museum of Art and History (MAH).![]()
MLK March Schedule - Join Us!
9:00 am - 10:00 am Marcher Lineup
@ Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
Groups check-in & meet up. Individual marchers welcome.
10:00 am Official March start time.
The procession will begin at 10:00 a.m.
11:00 Cooper Street Gathering for speech program.
Activities at the MAH and on Cooper Street from 10:00 am continue until 12:30 p.m.
Groups who are planning to participate are asked to sign up on the City of Santa Cruz website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/community/mlk-march-2018.
Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and value. The MLK Day March is an opportunity for the businesses, social and community groups that make Santa Cruz strong to come out and be recognized while supporting a common cause. Please join us.
MLK 2018 March Press Details
If you have additional questions, please email jblaschke@cityofsantacruz.com
We invite individuals, community groups, clubs, and congregations to Walk With Us in the march in honor of Dr. King.
The route starts on Cathcart Street and Pacific Avenue and ends on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene with speeches and family-friendly activities on Cooper Street in partnership with the Museum of Art and History (MAH).
MLK March Schedule - Join Us!
9:00 am - 10:00 am Marcher Lineup
@ Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
Groups check-in & meet up. Individual marchers welcome.
10:00 am Official March start time.
The procession will begin at 10:00 a.m.
11:00 Cooper Street Gathering for speech program.
Activities at the MAH and on Cooper Street from 10:00 am continue until 12:30 p.m.
Groups who are planning to participate are asked to sign up on the City of Santa Cruz website: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/community/mlk-march-2018.
Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and value. The MLK Day March is an opportunity for the businesses, social and community groups that make Santa Cruz strong to come out and be recognized while supporting a common cause. Please join us.
MLK 2018 March Press Details
If you have additional questions, please email jblaschke@cityofsantacruz.com
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Media Releases: Armed Robbery-Bank 1/10/18 AND Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit/ Arrest 1/11/18
Armed Robbery-Bank Case# 18S-00274![]()
The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that occurred on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 4:45pm. The robbery occurred at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd.![]()
Officers responded to the bank, however the subject involved had already fled the scene. During the investigation it was determined through statements of the victims, witnesses, and security footage the suspect displayed a firearm and demanded money from the bank tellers. During the robbery the suspect ordered the bank staff to open the drawers, and was successful in taking an undisclosed amount of cash.
The suspect was last seen running out of the bank into the parking lot. During the investigation the police department received follow -up information leading them to the area of High St. Officers searched the area, and were unsuccessful in locating any further information.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, donning sunglasses, mask, and gloves.
Currently the Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating the bank robbery.
If anyone has any information regarding this case please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit @ (831) 420-5820.
Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit Case #18S-00280/00281
Police Pursuit Ends with Subject in Custody![]()
On January 11, 2018 at approximately 12:05 hours, the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to a business located within 2200 block of Mission Street for a reported vandalism.
The suspect also subsequently threw a metal chair through a glass door prior to leaving the location. It is notable that as a citizen chased the suspect, the suspect advised he was in possession of a firearm (no firearm seen).
The suspect returned and was identified as Michael Richards. A vehicle pursuit ensued. Richards intentionally rammed the marked K-9 Police Car and drove through San Lorenzo Park, eventually evading Police.
At about 7:30am, Officers again responded to a disturbance involving Richards who fled into the waist deep San Lorenzo River.
Eventually Richards was taken into custody and obtained medical clearance prior to being booked into jail on the following charges: felony evading, felony assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
The Police Department is actively investigating the above listed vandalism incident, and additional criminal charges related to Richards may follow.
The suspect was last seen running out of the bank into the parking lot. During the investigation the police department received follow -up information leading them to the area of High St. Officers searched the area, and were unsuccessful in locating any further information.
The suspect is described as an unknown race male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, donning sunglasses, mask, and gloves.
Currently the Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating the bank robbery.
If anyone has any information regarding this case please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit @ (831) 420-5820.
Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit Case #18S-00280/00281
Police Pursuit Ends with Subject in Custody
The suspect also subsequently threw a metal chair through a glass door prior to leaving the location. It is notable that as a citizen chased the suspect, the suspect advised he was in possession of a firearm (no firearm seen).
The suspect returned and was identified as Michael Richards. A vehicle pursuit ensued. Richards intentionally rammed the marked K-9 Police Car and drove through San Lorenzo Park, eventually evading Police.
At about 7:30am, Officers again responded to a disturbance involving Richards who fled into the waist deep San Lorenzo River.
Eventually Richards was taken into custody and obtained medical clearance prior to being booked into jail on the following charges: felony evading, felony assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
The Police Department is actively investigating the above listed vandalism incident, and additional criminal charges related to Richards may follow.
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March With SCPD and Community - Monday January 15th MLK March Starts at 10:00am
2018 MLK March and Event Schedule
9:00am Groups meet up. Individual marchers welcome!
@ Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
10:00 am Official March start time.
March Route: The route starts on Cathcart Street and Pacific Avenue and ends on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene with speeches and family-friendly activities on Cooper Street in partnership with the Museum of Art and History
11:00 am Cooper Street Gathering for speech program.
Community Philanthropist Martina O’Sullivan
City of Santa Cruz Mayor David Terrazas
NAACP President Brenda Griffin
SC Co. Supervisor Zach Friend
UCSC Professor David Anthony
Youth Representatives Carmen Azmitia & Justa Ferguson - Santa Cruz HS BSU
SC Co. School Supervisor Michael Watkins
CEO, United Way of Santa Cruz Keisha Frost
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Nane Alejandrez
Santa Cruz Warrior Coach Aaron Miles
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills
Gospel Soloist Tammi Brown
11:40 Speech Program Concludes
10:00 am - 12:30pm Activities at the MAH & Non-profit tables on Cooper Street.
MLK March for the Dream is happening Rain or Shine.
2018 March For The Dream staging order and general MLK March info
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9:00am Groups meet up. Individual marchers welcome!
@ Cathcart between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue.
10:00 am Official March start time.
March Route: The route starts on Cathcart Street and Pacific Avenue and ends on Cooper Street. After the march, we will convene with speeches and family-friendly activities on Cooper Street in partnership with the Museum of Art and History
11:00 am Cooper Street Gathering for speech program.
Community Philanthropist Martina O’Sullivan
City of Santa Cruz Mayor David Terrazas
NAACP President Brenda Griffin
SC Co. Supervisor Zach Friend
UCSC Professor David Anthony
Youth Representatives Carmen Azmitia & Justa Ferguson - Santa Cruz HS BSU
SC Co. School Supervisor Michael Watkins
CEO, United Way of Santa Cruz Keisha Frost
Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos Nane Alejandrez
Santa Cruz Warrior Coach Aaron Miles
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills
Gospel Soloist Tammi Brown
11:40 Speech Program Concludes
10:00 am - 12:30pm Activities at the MAH & Non-profit tables on Cooper Street.
MLK March for the Dream is happening Rain or Shine.
Downtown metered parking is free on Martin Luther King’s Birthday!
2018 March For The Dream staging order and general MLK March info
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/…/city…/police/mlk-march-2018 .
Staging Map
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Individuals and groups can still join us the day of the March! Traffic monitors will incorporate you and your friends in between these preset groups.
Thank you to all who are contributing in the MLK March success. Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and value. That is exactly why Santa Cruz Police initiated this collaboration with the NAACP.
Staging Map
Thank you to all who are contributing in the MLK March success. Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. means bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to build authentic bonds of human understanding and value. That is exactly why Santa Cruz Police initiated this collaboration with the NAACP.
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SCPD Working 24-7 Arrest Suspect Burglar at 4:20 am
While You Slept, SCPD Graveyard Shift Responded To 55 calls for service, generated 5 cases, and made 4 arrests. Here’s a case highlight.
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At 4:20 this morning, SCPD responded to alarm in the 200 block of River Street, Down Works. SCPD Officers located Troy Witzke with loot stolen from the business.
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Troy Witzke, 29 years old, from Santa Cruz![]()
Our partners at First Alarm provided excellent assistance.A First Alarm guard witnessed the man inside the business, throwing items out of the building window.
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#SantaCruzPolice #Working247#TeamWork
Troy Witzke, 29 years old, from Santa Cruz
Mr. Witzke, 29 years old, from Santa Cruz was arrested for commercial burglary and booked into jail. The stolen property recovered totaled $5,929.00 from store inventory.
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Great Police Work All Day & Night - SCPD Case Highlights
#K9CashWatchingYouOn Tuesday January 30 January 30th at approximately 11:05pm SCPD Officers responded to a burglary in progress at The Computer Zone on the 300 block of Laurel Street. SCPD K9 Team Ofc. Hansen and Cash tracked and ultimately located suspect Troy Witzke hiding in the bushes. All the stolen laptops were recovered in addition to items stolen from a neighboring residence.
Twice in a week’s time that Troy Witzke, 29 from Santa Cruz, was arrested for commercial burglary.![]()
Great police work all the way around from the tracking, collection of evidence, gathering the witness statements and locating the suspect.
Suspect Arrest in Drive-By Shooting on January 20, 2018 SCPD Investigation Update![]()
On Tuesday, January 30, 2018, Santa Cruz Police Investigation Section arrested Jovanni Fernandez of Watsonville, Ca and conducted a search warrant of his residence and vehicle in the city of Watsonville. Jovanni Fernandez was identified as being involved in a shooting that occurred in the city of Santa Cruz on January 20, 2018, near the intersection of Soquel and Branciforte Ave.![]()
Jovanni Fernandez, 18 years old from WatsonvilleJovanni Fernandez, 18 years old from Watsonville, was booked into county jail for multiple counts of attempted murder, along with a gang and firearm enhancement.
The Santa Cruz Police began its initial investigation on January 20, 2018, when patrol officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Soquel Ave and Branciforte Ave. Patrol Officers located the vehicle in the area, with three occupants. The vehicle was struck twice by gunfire. None of the occupants were injured. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a white VW Jetta with multiple occupants fleeing the area on Soquel Ave.
The investigation of the shooting is ongoing, with the assistance of the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office.
SCPD Media Release https://goo.gl/uEPa8i
Twice in a week’s time that Troy Witzke, 29 from Santa Cruz, was arrested for commercial burglary.
Suspect Arrest in Drive-By Shooting on January 20, 2018 SCPD Investigation Update
Jovanni Fernandez, 18 years old from Watsonville
The Santa Cruz Police began its initial investigation on January 20, 2018, when patrol officers responded to reports of shots fired in the area of Soquel Ave and Branciforte Ave. Patrol Officers located the vehicle in the area, with three occupants. The vehicle was struck twice by gunfire. None of the occupants were injured. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a white VW Jetta with multiple occupants fleeing the area on Soquel Ave.
The investigation of the shooting is ongoing, with the assistance of the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office.
SCPD Media Release https://goo.gl/uEPa8i
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SCPD Officer on First Solo Patrol Shift Arrests Suspect Drug Dealer & Gets Meth Off The Street
New SPCD Officer took to the streets for the first time solo yesterday and made a solid drug arrest.
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On Wednesday 1/31/18 at approximately 8:45 pm, SCPD Officer Boolootian conducted a traffic stop on the 100 block of Grant Street. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver Hugo Casteneda, 46 years old from Santa Cruz, had outstanding felony warrants.![]()
Mr. Casteneda, on probation with search terms, possessed a bindle of methamphetamine, cash, Xanax pills, and assorted drug paraphernalia in his pockets. Officer Hansen deployed K9 Cash into the vehicle for a narcotics search. BINGO!![]()
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The subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in one bag of methamphetamine containing 2.14 ounces AND a second bag that had a total gross weight of 21.2 grams of methamphetamine. Over $2, 300 in cash and drug packaging materials was also recovered.![]()
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SCPD arrested Mr. Casteneda for possession of narcotic controlled substances, outstanding warrants, and driving with a suspended license.![]()
Not bad for Officer Boolootian’s first solo patrol shift!
Great job SCPD Field Training Officers!
#K9CashSearch&Alert
Great job SCPD Field Training Officers!
#K9CashSearch&Alert
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SCPD Crisis Negotiations Team Members Coordinate Joint Training With Allied Agencies
Crisis Negotiations Team members, Detective Fincutter and Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health Mental Health Liaison to SCPD Danielle Long, worked to coordinate a joint county training for SCPD, Watsonville PD, and Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office.
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Crisis Negotiation Team members for all agencies are staffed with specially trained and skilled personnel who handle critical field operations where specialized negotiation methods are required. SCPD reached out to our county Crisis Negotiation Teams to partner up and train together to share resources and collaborate in the event of a major incident.![]()
This week's training included a presentation from Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (CAHN Members), resource sharing, and scenario training. Crisis Negotiation Team Members Detective Fincutter and MHL Danielle Long reached out to our local community to locate actors to provide real-life scenario training. Members of the Cabrillo College Theatre Arts Department volunteered their time to provide excellent and challenging acting for real-life scenario training.![]()
SCPD is committed to providing excellent training to our officers for de-escalating situations with people in crisis.
SCPD would like to thank #WatsonvillePoliceDepartment, #SantaCruzCountySheriffsOffice, #SantaCruzCountyBehavioralHealth, the #SantaCruzBeachBoardwalk, #AlamedaCountySheriffsOffice, #CaliforniaAssociationofHostageNegotiators(CAHN), and #CabrilloTheatreArtsDepartment.
#SantaCruzCountyJointTraining #CrisisNegotiationsTeams #SharingResources #CommunityPolicing #Reallifedescalationtraining #CAHN #teamwork #collaboration
SCPD would like to thank #WatsonvillePoliceDepartment, #SantaCruzCountySheriffsOffice, #SantaCruzCountyBehavioralHealth, the #SantaCruzBeachBoardwalk, #AlamedaCountySheriffsOffice, #CaliforniaAssociationofHostageNegotiators(CAHN), and #CabrilloTheatreArtsDepartment.
#SantaCruzCountyJointTraining #CrisisNegotiationsTeams #SharingResources #CommunityPolicing #Reallifedescalationtraining #CAHN #teamwork #collaboration
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**Updated Photos** Santa Cruz Police Request the Public’s Assistance to Identify Bank Robbery Suspect
The Santa Cruz Police is asking for the public’s help in identifying this person. Detectives believe the suspect to be directly involved in the armed robbery at US Bank on January 10, 2018.![]()
If you know who this person is, please contact Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation section at (831) 420-5820. If you see this person, do not attempt to contact, just call 911. This person is considered armed and dangerous.![]()
Original Incident: CASE NUMBER: 18S-00274
A bank robbery occurred on January 10, 2018, at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd. The suspect entered the bank wearing a hood, black sunglasses with his face concealed. The subject displayed a firearm, scaring the employees and stole cash from the bank. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot. The subject is described as being a white male, approximately 6ft tall with a slender build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a brown jacket over it. He was further described as wearing light brown pants and light brown boots described as “construction boots.”
The photo below shows the suspect during the robbery.![]()
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820. If you recognize the suspect, please call 9-1-1 to report this information. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or www.santacruzpolice.com
A bank robbery occurred on January 10, 2018, at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd. The suspect entered the bank wearing a hood, black sunglasses with his face concealed. The subject displayed a firearm, scaring the employees and stole cash from the bank. He was last seen fleeing the area on foot. The subject is described as being a white male, approximately 6ft tall with a slender build. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a brown jacket over it. He was further described as wearing light brown pants and light brown boots described as “construction boots.”
The photo below shows the suspect during the robbery.
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SCPD Media Release: School Threat Case 18S-01388
Further investigation revealed the 5th-grade student planned to harm specific students. The student’s family is cooperating with investigators and school administrators. Santa Cruz Police recovered and secured one firearm from the child’s home.
The police department worked with school administrators to provide notification of the incident to parents and staff. This case underscores the importance of the working relationship and full cooperation between Santa Cruz City Schools and the Police. The police School Resource Officer is there to ensure the safety of students and staff in our city schools. We are thankful the situation was resolved as quickly and safely as possible, without injury to students or staff.
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