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.

Great Police Work Armed Robber Pursuit & Arrest

On  Friday August 3, 2018 around 12:20 pm, Santa Cruz Police responded to an armed robbery that occurred at West Cliff Drive and Swift Street. The suspect robber approached the victims while they were sitting in their vehicle. The suspect held a knife against one of the victims arms and said, “That’s my stuff, give it to me.” For fear that they would get stabbed, the victims gave the suspect their iPhones and clothing. The suspect drove off in a dark blue Toyota 4-Runner with a black dog inside the vehicle.

Within minutes, SCPD Officer Howard-Gibbon located a vehicle matching the description of the robbery suspect’s vehicle near Mission/Laurel Street. Officer Howard-Gibbon initiated a car stop near 1100 block of Laurel Street. The driver, Matthew Stevens, briefly stepped out of the vehicle and verbally engaged Officer Howard-Gibbon then sped away in his vehicle, and a pursuit was initiated.

Officer Howard-Gibbon dedicated pursuit of the suspect ended at the 4100 block of La Madrona Drive when the suspect collided his 4-Runner into a large boulder and a wooden post. Mr. Stevens then fled on foot.

Sergeant Cecena initiated a perimeter around the area. With the assistance of CHP patrol units and AIR support, SVPD, SCSO, and SCPD, Matthew Stevens was arrested in the rear parking lot of the Scotts Valley Hilton.

Matthew Stevens, 44 years old from Santa Cruz, is on probation and has a history with law enforcement. Yesterday’s charges for Mr. Stevens include armed robbery, violation of probation and felony reckless evading.

Outstanding teamwork captured this suspect in quick order.

SCPD is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family. #SafetyThroughVigilance #SantaCruzPolice

Media Releases: Armed Robbery-Bank 1/10/18 AND Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit/ Arrest 1/11/18

Armed Robbery-Bank Case# 18S-00274

The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that occurred on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 4:45pm. The robbery occurred at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd.

Officers responded to the bank, however the subject involved had already fled the scene. During the investigation it was determined through statements of 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 taking an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was last seen running out of the bank into the parking lot. During the investigation the police department received follow -up information leading them to the area of High St. Officers searched the area, and were unsuccessful in locating any further information.

The suspect is described as an unknown race male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, donning sunglasses, mask, and gloves.
Currently the Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating the bank robbery.

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

Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit Case #18S-00280/00281
Police Pursuit Ends with Subject in Custody

On January 11, 2018 at approximately 12:05 hours, the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to a business located within 2200 block of Mission Street for a reported vandalism.

The suspect also subsequently threw a metal chair through a glass door prior to leaving the location. It is notable that as a citizen chased the suspect, the suspect advised he was in possession of a firearm (no firearm seen).

The suspect returned and was identified as Michael Richards. A vehicle pursuit ensued. Richards intentionally rammed the marked K-9 Police Car and drove through San Lorenzo Park, eventually evading Police.

At about 7:30am, Officers again responded to a disturbance involving Richards who fled into the waist deep San Lorenzo River.

Eventually Richards was taken into custody and obtained medical clearance prior to being booked into jail on the following charges: felony evading, felony assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.

The Police Department is actively investigating the above listed vandalism incident, and additional criminal charges related to Richards may follow.