Citizen’s Tip Leads To DUI Driver & Arrest of Wanted Felon with Loaded Gun

On Sunday, February 9, 2020, at approximately 5:30 pm, Santa Cruz Police responded to a report from a concerned citizen about a reckless and suspected DUI driver in the area of Seabright Avenue and Murray Street. A patrol unit caught up to the suspects' black Ford Mustang near Broadway and San Lorenzo Blvd. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop; the driver pulled over, and as the officer exited the patrol car, the driver sped away.

The officer pursued the suspect going eastbound on Broadway. The brief car pursuit ended when the driver of the Ford Mustang struck several parked cars and a street sign at Riverside and Soquel Ave. The driver then fled on foot to the east levee towards San Lorenzo Park. A male passenger in the car sustained a leg injury.

Christopher Dicochea

Within minutes, an officer located the suspect running in San Lorenzo Park. Two SCPD Rangers patrolling the park quickly and safely detained him. The driver, Christopher Dicochea, 23 years from Salinas, is wanted for robbery out of Salinas and has a DUI warrant from Morgan Hill. Mr. Dicochea, a convicted felon, also had a loaded and stolen 9MM handgun in his center console.

The passenger in the car was cooperative and later released. However, Christopher Dicochea was arrested and taken to jail for the following charges: evading an officer, felon in possession of a firearm, vehicle hit and run involving injury, DUI causing injury, possession of stolen property, outstanding warrant for robbery and warrant for driving under the influence.

SCPD would like to give a great shout of thanks to the community member who called to report the reckless driving of the suspect. AWESOME follow through on this community member’s part. Thank You!

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.

Drug Bust takes wanted felon & ¾ lbs. of Crystal Meth valued at $27,000 off Santa Cruz Streets.

On Saturday 1/9/16, SCPD Officers and Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) arrested a high-risk wanted felon and his associate. Both were suspected of transporting and selling large quantities of narcotics in the city of Santa Cruz.

SCPD confiscated 3/4 lbs of crystal meth valued $27,000 & $1000 in cash 

SCPD Officers working with NET located and arrested Adrian Puga, 32 from Watsonville and his girlfriend Selene Bazarnick, 33, from Santa Cruz at a storage locker on Mission St. Extension.

SCPD Officers and SCPD K-9 Unit conducted a search of the storage unit and cars associated with Adrian Puga and Selene Bazarnick. During the search, approximately ¾ of a pound of suspected crystal methamphetamine was located in the storage locker and vehicles.

The amount of crystal methamphetamine broken down into grams will produce approximately 340.19 grams. It has a street value of over $27,000. Additionally, $1,000 in cash of suspected narcotics profit was found during the search.

Adrian Puga, 32, Watsonvile resident

Adrian Puga was taken into custody for an outstanding felony warrant for failing to comply with the terms of his Post Release Community Supervision (AB109) and various narcotics related charges.

Selene Bazarnick, 33, Santa Cruz resident 

Selene Bazarnick was taken into custody for possession of suspected methamphetamine and a small quantity of heroin. She was also charged with violating the terms of her probation.

This couple has had multiple contacts with law enforcement. In March 2014, Adrian Puga and Selene Bazarnick were arrested with heroin, methamphetamine, prescription pills, and marijuana for sale. They also had in their possession a stolen gun.

Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood. 

The Santa Cruz Police Neighborhood Enforcement Team is 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.