Santa Cruz Police

Meet and Greet YOUR
Neighborhood Policing Team
Teams led by a dedicated Lieutenant, Sergeant, and officers charged with implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve neighborhood policing.

See and Hear The PLAN
For YOUR Neighborhood Policing Area
To tackle the underlying causes of crime and safety issues and put sustainable solutions in place.

Downtown Neighborhoods
Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room

Upper Westside Neighborhoods
Tuesday, March 6th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Peace United Church - 900 High Street

Lower Westside Neighborhoods
Wednesday, March 7th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Bayview Elementary School – 1231 Bay Street

Lower East Side Neighborhoods
Thursday, March 8th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Gault Elementary School – 1320 Seabright Avenue

Upper East Side Neighborhoods
Monday, March 12th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Community Church on Roxas Street

Find Your Area - Map Your Address - Connect To Your Team

Lt. Bernie Escalante Downtown@cityofsantacruz.com

Lt. Warren Barry UpperEast@cityofsantacruz.com

Lt. Jose Garcia LowerEast@cityofsantacruz.com

Lt. Christian LeMoss UpperWest@cityofsantacruz.com

Lt. Arnold Vasquez LowerWest@cityofsantacruz.com

The Santa Cruz Police Department is requesting assistance from the community in identifying a person who attempted to force his way into a house.

On Thursday, February 22, 2018, around 4 pm, a person knocked on the victim’s front door. When the victim greeted the suspect, the suspect told the victim he wanted to talk about “The good book.” The suspect also inquired if “the man of the house was home.” The suspect also made comments to the victim regarding their age and looking younger. During the conversation, the suspect asked to come inside the house, and the victim declined. The victim reported they tried to end the conversation and began to close the front door. The suspect used both hands and started pushing the door back open. The victim had to place their foot on the wall as leverage successfully forcing the front door closed. The victim reported yelling and screaming they were calling the police. The suspect fled on foot running towards El Rancho Drive.

The suspect is described as a clean-shaven white male, medium to heavy build, wearing a light blue dress shirt, and a black jacket, holding a book. Attached to this release is a sketch of the suspect.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating this case.

If anyone has any information regarding this case, please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit @ (831) 420-5820.

On Wednesday, February 28, 2018, Santa Cruz Police Department conducted a Homeless Assessment Outreach in all of the Neighborhood Policing Areas. The mission was to make contact with and survey every unsheltered individual in the city.

“It can take many contacts to encourage people living on the street to accept services,” said Police Chief Andrew Mills. “Every person has their own story and path to the streets. It is essential to find out where they are from and how they got here. And to extend resources".

Outreach Stats - A total of 251 surveys were completed. Estimated over 500 un-duplicated homeless person contacts were made.

Enforcement Stats - 89 citations issued and 28 arrests made. These arrests and citations were for warrants, possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia, littering, open containers, trespassing, and loitering. 6 vehicles were towed and impounded.

As part of the survey, an officer will ask a series of questions about their background, including age, where they came from, how long they've been homeless and why they moved here. Information such as veteran status or if they became homeless as a result of fleeing domestic violence will help officers to direct them to services. The survey is voluntary, and people are free to give as much information as they want.

In this coordinated operation, the Santa Cruz Police Department also addresses livability issues related to transients loitering and numerous encampments on public property. Yesterday's cooperative effort between the River Street Emergency Transition Camp, the Santa Cruz Police Department along with Mental Health liaisons provided directions to services for homeless people.

Recognizing the many challenges related to this issue, the Santa Cruz Police Department works closely with mental health professionals, drug and alcohol abuse rehabilitation counselors to provide resources and services to those in need before enforcement action.

Santa Cruz Police Department created five Neighborhood Policing Teams assigned to areas within the City of Santa Cruz. The Neighborhood Policing Teams put more SCPD officers on the streets to increase community policing and activate crime-fighting strategies. There are five introduction community meetings. One for each designated neighborhood policing area.
Meet and Greet YOUR
Neighborhood Policing Team
Teams led by a dedicated Lieutenant, Sergeant, and officers charged with implementing strategies to prevent and reduce crime and improve neighborhood policing.

See and Hear The PLAN
For YOUR Neighborhood Policing Area
To tackle the underlying causes of crime and safety issues and put sustainable solutions in place.

Downtown Neighborhoods
Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room

Upper Westside Neighborhoods
Tuesday, March 6th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Peace United Church - 900 High Street

Lower Westside Neighborhoods
Wednesday, March 7th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Bayview Elementary School – 1231 Bay Street

Lower East Side Neighborhoods
Thursday, March 8th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Gault Elementary School – 1320 Seabright Avenue

Upper East Side Neighborhoods
Monday, March 12th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Community Church on Roxas StreetFind Your Area - Map Your Address - Connect To Your Team Neighborhood Policing Teams Locate Your Neighborhood Policing AreaConnect with Your Neighborhood Policing Team

Before he embarked on a career in law enforcement almost 30 years ago, Rick Martinez dreamed of working in the hospitality industry. "I had been very interested in doing restaurant or hotel/motel work," he says.

Then the fatally destructive Loma Prieta Earthquake struck with mega-force in October 1989. "I was 20 and happened to be working for the city lifeguard service at the time," he says. "Because of that, when the quake happened, I was assigned to help with the recovery efforts in downtown Santa Cruz."

Martinez deployed that first night of the quake — and for the next couple of weeks. "We were working 20-hour days," he recalls.

By the time his deployment ended, Martinez had radically modified his career path.

"It was a real pinnacle moment for me," he says. "That's when I really decided to seriously consider public safety as a profession. I saw first-hand what public service really means."

Now Deputy Chief of Police for the City of Santa Cruz, Martinez reflects on another life pivot that resulted from that long-ago quake deployment: The experience formally introduced him to the American Red Cross.

"As a teen, I had to go through a pretty substantial surgery, and back then, hospitals wanted you to donate your own blood in advance of the procedure," he says. "So I had been in the Red Cross' Santa Cruz office to donate blood a few years before the earthquake. I remember that the people there were fantastic, but before the quake, that had been the extent of my experience with the Red Cross."

During the quake, however, Martinez saw an entirely new side of the Red Cross mission: Volunteers and employees — tirelessly and helpfully — provided 'round-the-clock support to the first responders who were working long shifts in downtown Santa Cruz. "The Red Cross provided all of the food, water, and supplies that we needed during those weeks," he says. "I came away pretty impressed."

Still, life happened and Martinez's interest in giving back to the Red Cross wouldn't really take root for another 20 years. The relationship was rekindled by a phone call informing him that the local chapter had selected him to receive a Law Enforcement Hero Award for the efforts he had been making to improve public safety and bring together business owners and other stakeholders to improve the quality of Santa Cruz's downtown area.

"The Red Cross found me," he says. "And I am very glad they did."

Shortly after that, Martinez joined the local chapter's Board of Directors, providing important public-safety representation on the board. In that capacity, Martinez has served as board vice chair, chair of the board's Executive Committee, member of the Heroes Committee, and — in 2014 — as chair of the board.

That was the same year that Martinez discovered yet another side of the Red Cross mission — the work the organization quietly does in support of members of the military and their families.

"The Red Cross was really there for a cousin of mine, an Air Force Pararescue Jumper stationed in Afghanistan," he says. "Because of the Red Cross, he was able to fly home and spend time with his ill father before he died. For the Red Cross to do that with such efficiency, I was very thankful.”

The Red Cross extended its appreciation to Martinez this past spring when it honored him with the organization's prestigious Clara Barton Award at the Central Coast Chapter's annual Volunteer Recognition Event. The award, the highest the American Red Cross bestows on volunteers, recognizes meritorious service in volunteer leadership positions held over a period of years.

"I don't consider myself worthy of this award considering how active so many of the other volunteers in the Central Coast Chapter are," Martinez says modestly. But his modesty doesn't mean he isn't grateful — and extremely proud of the honor.

"I've witnessed first-hand the work that the Red Cross does in supporting the nation's blood supply, in helping people recover from disasters, and in providing key support to our military families — and that's just in my relatively short association with the Red Cross," he says. "I do feel undeserving of the award, but I am very honored to be selected to receive it."
Article contributed by American Red Cross Central Coast

On Saturday, March 17th, 2018 at 3:15 pm, Santa Cruz Police Officers responded the 800 block of Pacific Avenue regarding a male adult who flashed a gun at a juvenile. The suspect threatened the juvenile with a firearm stating that he would “blow his brains out.” The subject was described as a white male adult with a blonde beard and wearing a multi-colored shirt. He was reportedly last seen walking on Pacific Avenue towards Maple Street.

Officer Badeo and Sergeant Azua immediately located the subject on Maple Street. When the officers approached, the suspect quickly turned away from the officers and reached for the suspected gun in the waistband area of his pants. The responding officers un-holstered their department-issued firearms and gave commands for the man to stop. The subject, later identified as Jeffrey Greer, 28 years old, from Boulder Creek, pulled out a black pistol from his waistband.

Jeffrey Greer, 28 years old, from Boulder Creek

Initially, Mr. Greer did not comply with the multiple orders from the officers to drop the gun. Eventually, officers were able to de-escalate Mr. Greer’s stance. He complied, dropped the gun and surrendered. The black pistol that Mr. Greer had in his possession turned out to be a BB gun/Airsoft gun replicated in the make and model of Smith and Wesson M&P.

Said Police Chief Andrew Mills, “ I commend my officers for their restraint and patience during incidents like this. I can’t applaud these officers enough for their use of training, judgment, and teamwork to deescalate this potentially life-threatening situation.”

Santa Cruz Police placed Jeffrey Greer into custody for these listed charges; criminal threat with intent to terrorize, alteration and display of an imitation firearm in public and committing a felony while released on bail.

Chief Mills invites the community to SCPD Street Smarts Traffic Safety Presentation: Distracted Driving & Walking: Cause, Effect & Solutions on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at Santa Cruz Police Community Room from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

The SCPD traffic presentation examines distracted driving and walking as well as solutions to address such behavior. Distracted driving and walking have become increasingly serious concerns with the popularity of cell phones and smartphones. Studies have shown that drivers require more reaction time and pedestrians become less attentive to their surroundings when distracted by cell phones.

Co-presenting with SCPD is AT&T. When it comes to texting and driving, it can wait. That is the simple, yet vital message AT&T is sending drivers, particularly teens. To drive home the message and to make roads and highways safer, AT&T is bringing a virtual reality simulator to the Santa Cruz Police Department’s Traffic Safety Presentation.

Sergeant Scott Garner, a 20 veteran officer, and traffic expert will answer questions and clarify traffic safety issues in our neighborhoods. The presentation is an SCPD community-driven approach to traffic safety education and awareness for a safer commute by focusing on issues for a more reliable traffic environment for pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles.

Please join us Wednesday, March 28th for the Traffic Safety Presentation with Q and A. The meeting location is the Santa Cruz Police Community Room, 155 Center Street. We hope to see you there!

Street Smarts is a traffic safety, public education campaign launched by the Cty of Santa Cruz with the mission to reduce the number of traffic-related crashes and injuries in the City of Santa Cruz. www.cityofsantacruz.com/streetsmarts

Great Work Recognized: Chief's Commendation Awarded To Sgt. Carter Jones, PO Alec Ganzel, PO Armando Aguilar, and PO Nick Kramer for their hard work and diligence in double homicide arrest investigation. They have each been awarded a Chief’s Commendation.

On Saturday, February 9, 2018 at approximately 9:30 pm, (about 30 minutes before going off-duty) the Neighborhood Enforcement Team was tasked with working with Detectives from the Modesto Police Department. The Modesto Police Department was asking for help to locate a double homicide suspect that was possibly armed with two handguns or an AR-pistol. In one of the homicide cases, the suspect was accused of killing a 5 year old boy in the City of Modesto.

The suspect’s vehicle had been tracked to a hotel in the City of Santa Cruz and the Modesto Police Department needed assistance locating the suspect. The Neighborhood Enforcement Team quickly coordinated with the County Gang Task Force and set up surveillance of the suspect’s vehicle and the hotel the suspect was staying in.

Over the course of the next 2 to 3 hours, the Neighborhood Enforcement Team and the County Gang Task Force conducted a roving surveillance operation on the murder suspect and three associates around the City of Santa Cruz. During this time, Modesto PD was actively trying to get a Ramey warrant for murder for the one suspect.

The murder suspect and three associates ultimately trespassed at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk property, creating a possible dangerous confrontation between the murder suspect and associates with Boardwalk Security. The Neighborhood Enforcement Team was able to safely detain all 4 subjects prior to the Boardwalk Security making contact with the subjects. The County Gang Task Force maintained surveillance of the murder suspect’s hotel room. All the while, Modesto PD advised the Ramey warrant had been signed for the murder suspect.

The Neighborhood Enforcement Team and the County Gang Task Force then executed a search warrant at the suspect’s hotel room on behalf of Modesto PD. Once the room was secured, the Neighborhood Enforcement Team kept watch over the room and suspects until Modesto PD arrived the following morning. The day finally ended for the Neighborhood Enforcement Team 22 hours later.

The members of the Neighborhood Enforcement Team Sgt. Carter Jones, PO Alec Ganzel, PO Armando Aguilar, and PO Nick Kramer are all commended for their incredible steadfast commitment to justice, professionalism, and coordination with the County Gang Task Force and Modesto PD.

#SafetyThroughVigilance

Great job by Santa Cruz Police Investigators for arresting the bank robber from the heist at US Bank on 110 Morrissey Boulevard. Randall Young is in custody.

The Santa Cruz Police Department positively identified the suspect in the January 10, 2018 robbery at US Bank at 110 Morrissey Boulevard. The suspect, Randall Young, is a former resident of Santa Cruz County and has a recent address in Mountain View, California.
On April 4, 2018, Investigators for the Santa Cruz Police Department have obtained a $100,000.00 Warrant for Mr. Young charging him with Robbery, Kidnapping, and other charges surrounding his prior felony convictions. Mr. Young is currently in custody at the San Mateo County Jail on different charges. The extradition process to bring Mr. Young back to Santa Cruz County is being planned.

History:
On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, The Santa Cruz Police Department responded to US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd. after reports of a Bank Robbery.
Officers responded quickly. The suspect involved already fled the scene. During the investigation, SCPD determined through statements from 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 stealing an undisclosed amount of cash.

*** UPDATE: Apple has been found! ***

***********************************

The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the public's help identifying a dognapper and locating the dog.

SCPD wants to identify the subject shown in the attached video and photos. We would like to speak to the woman regarding a missing dog taken on April 13, 2018, at 2:00 pm in the downtown area.

Initially, the dog's owner thought the 9-year-old white Chihuahua with brown spots had scurried away from his office. While posting flyers for the missing dog, the victim checked surveillance camera footage from a nearby business. Video images showed this woman walking out of the building carrying "Apple" the missing dog.

The suspect, a woman described as having a lean body type, long reddish-brown hair, and tattoos on her neck and chest area.

Please share this post with friends, family, and co-workers.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or the whereabouts of the dog is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department (831) 420-5820. Anonymous tips can be sent through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995 or www.santacruzpolice.com.

Unless otherwise noted, all persons depicted are innocent until charged and proven guilty.

Mail theft has become a growing concern in Law Enforcement around the nation and the City of Santa Cruz is not immune. Thieves are looking for credit card numbers, social security card numbers, investment account numbers, gift cards, checks, bank account statements- anything regarding personal identity and financial gain. Mail theft is a prevalent crime and often leads to identity theft.

Protect Yourself from Mail Theft

• Do not leave outgoing mail in an unlocked mailbox.

• Use the letter slots inside the local Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.

• Do deposit mail at your local post office, especially if you are sending checks or documents with sensitive personal information.

• Promptly pick up your incoming mail once it is delivered to your mailbox.

• Purchase a locked mailbox or convert your unlocked box to the lockable type.

• Arrange for your mail to be delivered to a Post Office Box (P. O. Box).

• Consider having regular income checks deposited electronically right into your bank account via direct deposit. It’s easy, and in most cases, it’s free.

• Never send cash or coins through the mail. Always send a check or money order, and don’t forget to drop it off for delivery at the post office.

• Immediately notify the post office and mailers if you change your address.

• If you are going on vacation, notify the post office, or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail promptly after delivery.

• Be observant of activities on your street, including those near your letter carrier, his or her postal vehicle, residential mailboxes, and collection boxes.

• If you see a mail thief at work or suspicious persons at or near your mailbox, call the police immediately.

• Anytime you see a suspicious person looking into mailboxes, report them (831-471-1131). Provide the dispatcher with what the suspect person looks like, what color and type of car they are driving, and any other information you obtain about them. Do not attempt to contact the suspicious person on your own and do not put yourself in danger to get information.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

Click on the following link for more tips from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to help reduce your chances of becoming a victim. https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/…/mailth…/TipThieves.aspx

Chief Mills Invites Community to a Reception for “ Black Lives In Santa Cruz: What Matters” Portrait Exhibition

Santa Cruz Police Chief Mills and wife Cathy Mills will host a reception for the portrait exhibit: Black Lives In Santa Cruz: What Matters”. Open to the public, the community is invited to a reception and exhibition on Monday, April 30, 2018, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Santa Cruz Police Community Room.

Inspired by the national conversation about race and with a grant from the Cultural Arts Council of Santa Cruz County, freelance photographer Allison Garcia explores the day to day reality of being black in Santa Cruz. The exhibit comprised of portrait photos, writings, and interviews from a cross-section of Santa Cruz community members who share their perspective on being black in Santa Cruz.

“The artistic expressions reflect a deep impression of the reality of racism in our culture. Allison’s photographs and interviews capture true emotions translated through her art in both expressive and realistic ways” said Chief Mills. “Both Cathy and I believe that art can help us as a society to find common ground, to create dialogue, and to understand each other in meaningful ways.”

The reception for this exhibit will include a few words from Chief Mills, photographer Allison Garcia and photo participants. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

Please join us Monday, April 30th for the portrait exhibit of “Black Lives In Santa Cruz: What Matters” in the Santa Cruz Police Community Room, 155 Center Street. We hope to see you there!

For more information regarding the reception, contact Joyce Blaschke, Santa Cruz Police Community Relations, (831) 420-5844 or Photographer Allison Garcia– allisongarciaphotography.com.

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments offer teens ages 13-19 the opportunity to learn more about law enforcement and the fire service in this summer’s Teen Public Safety Academy.

In the one-week course, participants gain an understanding of what it takes to become a law enforcement officer, firefighter, 911 dispatcher, and emergency responder through direct observation and participation.

Class session July 16- 20 from 8 am - 4 pm.Applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Spaces in the Teen Academy fill up quickly. Limited to 20 teen recruits per session. Click here for an application.

Each action-packed session will include hands-on learning and demonstrations with Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments. Recruits will engage in a daily physical fitness program in addition to effective instruction from expert police and fire personnel.

The summer Teen Academy courses developed by the Santa Cruz Police Department provide a phenomenal opportunity to Santa Cruz teenagers who are considering serving their community in careers in law enforcement or public safety, and to those who are interested in learning public safety skills.

During the Academy, SCPD Officers will provide instruction to the students in various areas of law enforcement, including patrol operations, criminal investigations, public safety dispatching, SWAT, and Police K-9 unit.

The teen academy recruits also receive instruction on fire department operations, learn basic firefighting principles and obtain CPR certification.

The program fee is $40 and includes a T-Shirt and lunches. Graduation ceremonies for each teen academy will be on Friday at 3:30 pm. Family members are invited to attend!

Applications available on http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/police/participate/teen-public-safety-academy

For more information contact: Leo Gomez (831) 420-5952 or lgomez@cityofsantacruz.com

This week, Santa Cruz Police Department celebrated the successful graduation of 28 youths from the P.R.I.D.E. program. The event marks the 10th graduating class for P.R.I.D.E. PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT IN ETHICS. The program is a multi-faceted approach to support middle schoolers in making better choices.

Mayor David Terrazas, City Manager Martín Bernal, Chief of Police Andrew Mills and Deputy Chief of Police Dan Flippo presented diplomas to the graduates in the community room crowded with proud family and friends.

The SCPD P.R.I.D.E. The program ran from October 25, 2017, until May 26, 2018, and included 36 field trips, guest speakers’ presentations, and mentorship events. A record number of 28 students from Mission Hill and Branciforte Middle Schools participated along with 15 mentors from UCSC.

The teens have the opportunity to reflect upon the direction of their lives and the consequences of their choices. "It is a program where the students felt very empowered,” said program director Officer Leo Gomez. SCPD coordinates the P.R.I.D.E. program in conjunction with Santa Cruz City Schools and the County Office of Education.

Our P.R.I.D.E.program dedicated to helping youth avoid a life of crime and gangs. We realize that the continually growing gang problem is not going to disappear on its own. The children of our community need to know that there are alternatives to gangs. We have developed a place where they feel safe physically and mentally. These young people need to know that there are concerned adults who will care about them now and in the future.

The P.R.I.D.E. program is voluntary and free of charge, and its activities include guest speakers, mentor connections, parental involvement and recreational outings help participants make decisions that lead to healthy and productive lives.

Congratulations 2018 P.R.I.D.E. Graduates! Thank you P.R.I.D.E. mentors and community businesses for supporting our youth.

On Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at 1:38 am, Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to a report of several shots heard in the area of the 1000 block of Ocean Street. Upon arrival, officers learned that a male who appeared to conceal a weapon under his shirt was seen running with several people into a motel room after the shooting occurred. CHP was also on scene and located several shell casings near the motel.

SCPD Officers conducted a call out of the room and detained two men and two women. Officers found an 18 month-old child asleep in the room occupied by the four adults. A safety search of the room recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol located on the floor. The shell casings found near the motel was also a .40 caliber. Officers also discovered an additional 9 mm handgun in the motel room.

Investigators reviewed motel surveillance video and combined with interviews with the suspects determined that Daniel Estrada, 18 years old from Los Banos had shot the weapon. It appears he was firing the gun into the air. There were no signs that Daniel Estrada was shooting at anything or anyone.

Daniel Estrada was arrested for willful discharge of a firearm negligently, carrying an unregistered loaded handgun, and child cruelty.

Jorge Ayala Fernandez, 20 years old from Los Banos, was on felony probation and arrested for felon in possession of a firearm. Jorge Ayala Fernandez is the father of the 18 month-old child found in the motel room. The child is now in the custody of the mother.

Samantha Garcia, 20 years old from Los Banos, was arrested for public intoxication.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

#GreatPoliceWork #SantaCruzPolice #SafetyThroughVigilance

Street Smarts
Walk Smart - Don’t cross mid-block.
Drive Smart - Don’t block a crosswalk. If you can’t clear an intersection, don’t enter it. #ShareTheRoad #BeStreetSmart

This week’s Street Smarts video provides important reminders for pedestrians. Click for more safety tips for everyone who uses Santa Cruz roadways.

Street Smarts' mission is to reduce the number of traffic-related crashes and injuries in the City of Santa Cruz. The campaign is designed for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians, and intends to improve the behavior of all three groups. Year one focus is twofold: elementary school outreach and the delivery of community-wide media messages that raise awareness of top traffic-related issues and our most vulnerable road-users.

Join Mayor Terrazas and Santa Cruz Police Officers on a Street Smarts Family Bike Ride, Sat. June 30 from 10 a.m to noon. Start at Laurel Park with traffic safety activities, Mav’Riks, games and prizes. Then Ecology Action leads cyclists along Riverwalk to the Penney Ice Creamery for free cones.

All participants must sign a release form which parents can fill out in advance. We look forward to biking with you! Details: http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/…/Co…/Calendar/Event/16826/30

This week, Officer Matt Mulvihill and Officer Jeff Brouillette were recognized with a "10851 Award Pin” for their commitment to arresting car thieves and recovering stolen vehicles.

Double kudos go out to Officer Mulvihill. This recognition is his 2nd MASTERS 10851 Award. It means he achieved this honor TEN times. Officer Mulvihill recovered a total of 93 vehicles between November 2014 and October 2017. The total value of the vehicles is $668,849. Nice work Matt!!

Officer Brouillette was awarded the “10851” pin for the first time. Impressively, he has only been on the force for 2 and a half years. Officer Brouillette recovered a total of 12 vehicles last year. Three of them resulted in the arrest of the occupants. The total value of the vehicles is $130,100.The "10851 Award Pin" program is named after the section of the California Vehicle Code that deals with auto theft.

The “10851 Award” is presented by AAA, and the California Highway Patrol to recognize outstanding achievement in the detection, investigation, and apprehension of automobile thieves.

Join us in congratulating Officer Mulvihill and Officer Brouillette for their hard work and dedication toward finding stolen vehicles.

Over the weekend, SCPD Arrested Five Suspects Involved In An Armed Robbery & Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case

CASE UPDATE: Today, Detectives concluded interviews of the witnesses in the armed robbery incident on Saturday, June 23, 2018. The Santa Cruz Police Department has positively identified and arrested five suspects in this case. The following individuals were arrested for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Bryce Bertao, 19 years old, from Watsonville, Juan Escobar, 21 years old, from Castroville, Roberto Ramirez, 23 years old, from Watsonville, De'maria Strong, 19 years old, from Salinas and John Zarate, 22-year-old from Freedom.

Bryce Bertao, 19 years old, from Watsonville

Juan Escobar, 21 years old, from Castroville

Roberto Ramirez, 23 years old, from Watsonville

De'maria Strong,19 years old, from Salinas

John Zarate, 22-year-old from Freedom

BACKGROUND: On June 23, 2018, at 5:53 p.m. SCPD responded to the parking lot at 701 West Cliff Drive for the report of a victim shot in the head. Upon our arrival, we located one victim with multiple lacerations to his head including a grazing gunshot wound. The victim is a 50-year-old male and Santa Cruz County resident. The victim was treated at the scene by the Santa Cruz Fire Department and AMR, and transported to a local hospital. The victim’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Multiple witnesses provided a suspect vehicle description, a license plate, and direction of travel. Shortly after the incident was reported, the suspect vehicle was located traveling south on Highway 1 and Chestnut St. The vehicle was a silver BMW. A high-risk car stop was initiated in the Harvey West area, and 5 suspects were detained. At this time the investigation is on-going, and the 5 suspects are being questioned. All 5 suspects are between 18-23 years old and from the Santa Cruz County and Monterey County area. The suspect’s names and photos are being withheld at this time due to the integrity of the investigation and follow up needed by Detectives.

It turns out the victim was approached by all 5 suspects demanding his property. A physical altercation ensued, and the victim was struck multiple times by all 5 suspects. During the altercation one of the suspects fired at the victim. Some of the stolen property was located inside the suspect vehicle and returned to the property owner.

Multiple agencies were involved in response to this incident including California Highway Patrol, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Scotts Valley Police Department, Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force, Santa Cruz Fire Department and AMR.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone - All Fireworks Prohibited
Violations Subject To Triple Fine Penalties12:00 a.m. July 4th through 3:00 a.m. July 5th

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone. The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 4 to July 5th, 2018. The safety enhancement designation, which includes tripling the fees for violations of the City’s municipal code such as the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol.

Santa Cruz Police will be out in force the days leading up to and on July 4th to ensure that community members and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.

Every available officer will be proactively enforcing all violations designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Some of those assigned triple fines, violations include:

Fireworks possession
Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
Graffiti
Noise Violations
Trespassing
Conduct on Public Property
Urinating/Defecating in Public

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked “Safe and Sane,” are ILLEGAL in the City of Santa Cruz.

If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks.

We ask that you are willing to assist us in identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you to be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

For those who would like to enjoy fireworks, please plan to attend a safe and professionally controlled firework show to ensure the safety of your family, friends, and property.

MARCH Meetings Set for YOUR Neighborhood Policing Team Presentation of YOUR Neighborhood Policing Area Plan

Help Identify Suspect In Attempted Home Invasion

Santa Cruz Police Homeless OUTREACH & SURVEY Summary

Happening This WEEK - Meetings to Present YOUR Neighborhood Policing Team & Plan

1989 quake was life-changing moment for Red Cross' Rick Martinez

Keeping Santa Cruz Safe: SCPD Officers Successfully Deescalate Incident - Arrest Man With Gun Who Threatened Juvenile

Community Invitation To SCPD Street Smarts Traffic Safety Presentation Distracted Driving & Walking: Cause, Effect & Solutions On March 28, 2018 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm.

Chief's Commendation Awarded To Sgt. Carter Jones, PO Alec Ganzel, PO Armando Aguilar, and PO Nick Kramer

UPDATE: Bank Robber Captured

CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Suspect Dog Napper With Missing "Apple"

Officer DeOcampo Delivers TIPS TO PREVENT MAIL THEFT

Chief Mills Invites Community To A Reception For "Black Lives In Santa Cruz: What Matters” Portrait Exhibit on Monday, 4/30/2018, 3-5 pm

Sign Up Now For Teen Public Safety Academy 2018

SCPD Celebrates Graduates In P.R.I.D.E. Youth Program

Arrest In Shooting Investigation - Three suspects arrested, two guns recovered & one child found with suspects.

Street Smarts : A safer Santa Cruz starts with being smart on the road.

Mark Your Calendar To Ride Bikes With The Mayor & SCPD! Saturday, June 30th 10am to Noon - Bicycling Street Smarts

SCPD Officers Awarded For Putting the Brakes on Car Thieves

Five Suspects Identified in 6-23-18 Armed Robbery/ Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case

Citywide July 4th Safety Enhancement Zone - Fireworks Prohibited -Triple Fines Penalties