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

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