Arson Suspects Arrested & Deft Firefighting Skills Avert Larger Tragedy

On June 20, 2013, at approximately 3:00 PM, Santa Cruz Police Officers responded with the Fire Department to assist in evacuations, traffic control and the investigation of the fire behind the Elks Lodge, 150 Jewell Street.  This area borders wildland wooded areas and the transition road from Highway 17 to Highway 1.   Investigators determined the fire was intentionally ignited at several points along a trail in the wildland area behind the Elks Lodge.

Officers quickly set a perimeter and obtained information from witnesses.  Officers located suspect Mitchell Swienton running from the scene still carrying a butane lighter.  The officers were able to catch Swienton and take him into custody.

Officers obtained a description of a female seen running from the area as well.  After hearing the radio broadcast, a First Alarm Security Officer spotted suspect Kelly Hawkins running into the Homeless Services Center at 115 Coral Street. The First Alarm Officer radioed responding police officers who located Hawkins near River Street and Highway 1.  The First Alarm Officer was on patrol as part of the police department’s deployment of First Alarm private security in the Harvey West neighborhood.

Officers determined that earlier in the day, Hawkins was involved in a dispute with the Elks Lodge over her vehicle being towed from their parking lot after she abandoned it there.  Hawkins has a significant history of arrest for drug related offenses.  She is currently out of custody on probation 4x over and has been arrested 10 times in the last year alone.  The most recent probation was granted on May 23, 2013.

Both suspects had evidence of having been involved with the fire and both made certain admissions to their participation.

Both suspects were booked into Santa Cruz County Jail.  Mitchell Swienton was booked for a charge of Arson, while Hawkins was booked for Arson, Being Under the Influence of Narcotics, and a Probation Violation. Here they are:

Saving the "Best For Last"...... 

The Santa Cruz Fire Department should be acknowledged for their swift response and deft firefighting strategies.  No doubt they clearly prevented a tragedy of much larger scale.  The swift response of the Cal Fire helicopter was also a significant factor in keeping further damage and loss of property from occurring. Those that live near the area should thank a firefighter.  It was truly amazing that they were able to keep this at bay. 

SCPD expands First Alarm Security downtown during holiday season

In an effort to provide additional uniformed presence downtown during the holiday season, the Santa Cruz Police Department is announcing the temporary expansion of First Alarm guards downtown. The expansion will provide daily coverage and will supplement additional sworn staff assigned to downtown. The department will reallocate additional police officers downtown during the holiday season, a common practice over the last few years.

“We’ve found First Alarm to be a cost-effective way to aid officers in ensuring a safe environment during the holiday season” Police Chief Kevin Vogel said. “Since we’ve implemented the program last year, we’ve received universally positive feedback about their presence downtown.”  

Chip, Executive Director of the Downtown Association said, “Having the consistent and professional presence of First Alarm has really made a great impact on the downtown area. The guards play a very helpful role for our businesses, patrons and visitors.”

First Alarm guards have been trained by Santa Cruz Police Department downtown officers in the local ordinances and utilize the police dispatch system to report problems as soon as they occur. The additional guard will work from Noon until 8:00 p.m. and overlap with the current guard's schedule. The funding comes from the salary savings generated by vacant police officer positions. The cost of this program is approximately $5,200. 

SCPD Launches First Alarm Private Security Pilot Program in Harvey West Park Neighborhood Area

In an effort to increase public safety presence and awareness in the Harvey West Park area, the Santa Cruz police department has initiated a pilot project with First Alarm Security to provide additional uniform security in the Harvey West Park area. The pilot project, which will be evaluated for effectiveness after the first month of implementation, will provide First Alarm Security seven days per week, eight hours per day in the Harvey West Park area.  This program will mirror the highly successful private security program introduced downtown by the Santa Cruz Police Department last September.  The program will begin on Monday June 20, 2011.   

The decision to supplement sworn police presence with additional First Alarm Security officers stems from meetings between Police Chief Kevin Vogel, Santa Cruz Police Department staff and Harvey West Park area stakeholders. A recurring theme in these meetings has been a need for a consistent presence in the Harvey West Park area to ensure a safe environment.  This program is a direct response to those concerns. The Harvey West Park area of the City is home to many, including residents, businesses, schools, non-profits and recreational facilities. 

Chief Vogel said, “The department’s commitment to add additional security resources to the Harvey West Park area is another leap forward toward ensuring public safety in our community.”  

First Alarm Security officers will be trained by Santa Cruz police Department staff in the City ordinances and will utilize the Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1 Dispatch Center to report incidents as soon as they occur.  The program will be funded entirely through the Santa Cruz Police Department’s budget.