On February 11, 2013 at approximately 7:30 PM
Santa Cruz Police officers responded to a report of a robbery that occurred at
a bus stop in the 300 block of Natural Bridges Drive. Officers contacted the victim (21 year old
female UCSC student) who reported being robbed by a person holding a firearm,
thought to be a rifle. The victim was waiting at the bus stop when
the suspect appeared from the wooded area behind the bus stop. The suspect pointed the rifle at the victim
and demanded she empty her pockets and hand over the contents.
The victim reported being struck
by the suspect in the back of the head with the rifle. After being hit, the victim ran up Natural
Bridges Drive where she flagged down a passing motorist. While running away she turned back to see the
suspect taking her backpack. The
motorist called 9-1-1.
The victim took note of a
white Chrysler PT Cruiser circling the area just prior to the attack. Officers flooded the area and initiated
Project R.O.P.E. for the white PT Cruiser.
The search included police K-9’s, and thermal imaging equipment. The suspect was described as:
- White or light skinned male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches with a medium build.
- Wearing jeans, grey hoodie
- Red bandana in a triangle covering the suspect’s face
- The suspect was further described as having a gruff voice and several days beard growth
The victim was transported to
Dominican Hospital for treatment of her head injury. At approximately 10:30 PM, officers were
called back out to Dominican Hospital when doctors discovered the victim had
actually sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
The bullet was discovered lodged in the victim’s skull without
penetrating the secondary layer. The
bullet was successfully removed by neurosurgeons. The victim is expected to make a full
recovery and is in stable condition.
Detectives were called out to
the scene where an intensive search for evidence was conducted. The search included a grid search of the
wooded area, metal detectors and police K-9’s.
Detectives were back at the scene this morning looking for additional
evidence. They are also interviewing the
victim to assess the feasibility of a suspect sketch. If the victim is able to produce a useful
sketch, I will update this release.
The Santa Cruz Police
Department is actively working with officials at UCSC in the course of this
investigation to notify students of safety precautions and seek
information.
Anyone with any information is
encouraged to call 9-1-1 or contact the Santa Cruz Police Department
Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820.
Anonymous tips can be left on our tip line or via out mobile iPhone and
Droid app.
