On January 5, 2017 at 5:22 pm, an SCPD Officer was on active patrol and spotted a known drug dealer in the area of Harvey West and Dubois. The Officer witnessed the suspects, Calvin Carlson and his associate Suzanne Winchel, parked in a car and appeared to be engaged in narcotic activity. Groups of people came up to the vehicle for short periods of time and then would walk away.
The Officer pulled up behind the suspect’s car and contacted Carlson and Winchel. While the Officer was speaking with the suspects, a group of people who had been speaking to Carlson tried to interfere and prevent the officer from searching the vehicle. Additional officers were called for backup and the group of transients dispersed.
Calvin Carlson 52 years old and Suzanne Winchel 40 years old are both from Santa Cruz. The suspects were recognizable to the Officer because of their long criminal history and contacts with the PD. The Officer also confirmed through the Santa Cruz County Court website that Mr. Carlson was recently out on bail and had search terms for controlled substances, paraphernalia and drug sales.
SCPD is working collaboratively with neighborhood groups such as; the Harvey West Business Association, Homeless Service Center, and Parks and Recreation, in order to address neighborhood concerns and safety issues within the Harvey West area.
Shooting Investigation
On Saturday January 7, 2017 at 11:37 am, SCPD Officers responded to reports of several shots fired near the 1300 block of Soquel Avenue. Santa Cruz Police Officers were patrolling the area and quickly identified that the gunfire came from Soquel Avenue and Darwin Street. When Officers arrived at the scene they located several shell casings. Officers canvassed the immediate area and surrounding blocks and did not find where the rounds struck. Local hospitals were contacted and none of them reported any victims with gunshot wounds.
Currently, there is no information regarding suspects on the shooting. Detectives are continuing to follow up leads and looking for video surveillance. The police department is asking anyone with information or who may have witnessed the shooting to contact investigators 831- 420-5820.
Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood.
SCPD is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.
