Quick-Thinking Duo Thwarts Home Burglary

Home burglary & invasion was prevented by quick acting residents. Well done!

On Saturday, June 20, at around 10:11pm, Santa Cruz Police responded to a report of “residential burglary in progress.” A resident in the 400 block of Broadway Street called the Santa Cruz Police Department Dispatch stating that an unknown male had been attempting entry into their home.

The suspect, later identified as Zachary Scott Torres, 22, transient, had been beating on the metal screen door of the residence. Torres attempted entry when told to leave by the male resident. The male resident thwarted Torres by using a wooden practice sword, forcing him outside and on to the ground. Torres then smashed a clay pot from the property and threw a shard through a window, injuring the male resident.

SCPD arrived on the scene as Torres was being chased from the property by the male resident. Suspect Torres ignored the officer’s orders to stop and began to run away. The SCPD officer followed on foot and was soon joined by six more officers and a canine unit.

Within minutes, Torres was apprehended and arrested. A witness on the scene positively identified Torres as the suspect fleeing from the SCPD officers.

Torres was booked and jailed for the multiple charges including: Resisting arrest, Assault with a deadly weapon, Threats, Burglary, Vandalism and Disorderly conduct. Case#15S-05288

We are thankful for the resident's quick thinking and that their injuries were not more serious. 

SCPD applauds the team of officers for responding quickly and apprehending the suspect almost immediately.