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.