Santa Cruz Police will not tolerate any form of hate crime.

When there is a cause, SCPD will always take the proper and strongest action possible concerning hate crimes.

On July 5, 2020, at about 6:24 pm, SCPD responded to an altercation between a black man attacked by a white suspect who drew a knife and started slashing at the victim on San Lorenzo Blvd and Broadway Street. The suspect, Ole Hougen 43 years old, screamed racial slurs at the victim during the incident. Fortunately, the victim was able to fend off the attacker until officers arrived.

Mr. Hougen was arrested and charged for a hate crime, the criminal act committed against another person that is motivated by prejudice and assault with a deadly weapon.

The suspect Ole Hougen, only wanted a "white person to help" take him into custody. Not an SCPD accommodation. Our staffing includes people of color. Mr. Hougen continued to make racial comments and slur towards SCPD officers and jail staff during the booking process. Officers remained professional at all times, even though his behavior was out of control and unacceptable.

If a community member is a victim of, or witness to, what they believe to be a hate crime, call SCPD at 9-1-1 or (831) 471-1131.

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.

TWO ARRESTS MADE IN GUN VIOLENCE INVESTIGATIONS

On August 15, 2019, the members of the Santa Cruz Police Department’s Investigation’s Team and Emergency Services Unit located and arrested two individuals associated with the recent gun violence. Detectives worked with the District Attorney’s Office and obtained arrest warrants for Michael DAY and Enrique ROCHA. See attached photographs of the individuals.

DAY was located and arrested in Capitola following a car stop. He was arrested without incident. DAY is a resident of San Jose but associates with individuals in the Santa Cruz County area. ROCHA was arrested without incident in his home in Watsonville. Both individuals were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for Attempted Homicide (664/186 PC), Prohibited person in possession of a firearm (29800(A)(1) PC), and Participation in a criminal street gang (186.22(B).

Michael Trabue DAY (05/27/2000) of San Jose. Booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for Attempted Homicide, Prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and Participation in a criminal street gang.

Enrique ROCHA (07/27/1999) of Watsonville. Booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for Attempted Homicide, Prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and Participation in a criminal street gang.

Detectives are continuing to investigate these gun violence incidents. The department will continue with its increased presence and enforcement as these investigations continue.

BACKGROUND:
On July 21, 2019 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to the report of multiple gunshots heard in the 300 block of Barson Street. Upon arrival, officers located evidence that a shooting had in fact occurred and proceeded to process the crime scene. No victims were identified at the time of the initial investigation. The case investigation was turned over to detectives who have been actively working the case since July 21, 2019. (19S-05195)

On July 31, 2019 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired at the Santa Cruz Metro located in the 900 block of Pacific Ave. Involved parties had fled the scene, however the gun believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered at the scene as well as evidence associated to the suspect. Multiple witness were interviewed and video evidence was reviewed. A victim was located and the suspect remains outstanding. (19S-05500)

On August 3, 2019 at approximately 12:09 a.m. Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to the report of a shooting in the 700 block of Chestnut St. Upon arrival, officers responded to the area at which time it was determined an exchange of gunfire occurred between two subjects. During the investigation an adult male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound arrived at the hospital and determined to be a victim of this incident. The victim’s injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. The case investigation was turned over to detectives who have been actively working the case since August 3, 2019. (19S-05576)

On Tuesday August 13, 2019 at approximately 11:19 p.m. Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to a report of shots fired in the 800 block of Pacific Ave. Officers located evidence of a shooting and an adult male victim suffering from a single gunshot wound. The victim was located outside the downtown area and his injuries were determined to be non-life threatening. Officers processed the crime scene, interviewed several witnesses, and reviewed video footage collected from the area. The case investigation was turned over to detectives who have been actively working the case since August 13, 2019. (19S-05847)

SCPD Response to Uptick in Gun Violence 

As a result of this spike of violence, Santa Cruz Police Department deployed multiple gang suppression operations and collaborated with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime and Gang Task Force team in an effort to curb the uptick in related violence.

Since July 21, 2019, Santa Cruz Police Detectives have been working tirelessly on these series of shootings. The investigation led detectives to two separate persons of interest and locations in which search warrants were eventually obtained. On Monday August 12, 2019 members of the Santa Cruz Police Department Emergency Services Unit served two search warrants in Santa Cruz and San Jose where detectives recovered a firearm from each location. At this time, it has not been determined if the recovered firearms are associated to any of the shootings.

On August 14, 2019 at approximately 4:30 p.m. Santa Cruz Police Officers contacted a group individuals drinking alcohol in the area of Liebrandt Ave. at Beach St. During the course of the contact, officers arrested 19 year-old Cesar Corcoles for multiple weapons possession violations with a criminal street gang enhancement. A juvenile male subject was also arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, probation violation, and possession of a loaded firearm. (19S-05876)

The Santa Cruz Police Department will continue to collaborate with allied agencies in an effort to curb this rash of gun violence within the community.

The Santa Cruz Police Investigations Section asks anyone who has additional information related to any other the aforementioned incidents to please contact the Investigations main phone line at 831-420-5820.

Another Arson Arrest - Case 18S-08311 Santa Cruz Police Media Release

On Thursday, November 1, 2018, at approximately 12:13 pm, the Santa Cruz Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire located at Vapor Cleaners on 285 Water Street. Fire Inspectors determined that the fire was intentionally set and classified it as an act of arson. Detectives recovered video surveillance from several nearby locations.

The following investigation led to the identification of the arson suspect Laurentino Lopez-Gomez, a 31-year-old transient in Santa Cruz.

On Sunday, November 4, 2018, while on a routine patrol, an alert Santa Cruz Ranger observed Mr. Lopez-Gomez sitting in the area along the 200 block of River Street. Ranger Roskelly recognized the arson suspect from an SCPD wanted poster and alerted patrol officers to his location.

Officers took Laurentino Lopez-Gomez into custody without incident. During an interview, Mr. Lopez-Gomez made incriminating statements and was subsequently booked for the arson.

UPDATE: Suspect Arrested In Arson & Vandalism Case

 

CASE UPDATE: On Sunday, October 29, 2018, at approximately 3:40 p.m., a Santa Cruz Police Department Ranger observed a man walking in the 100 block of Emmett Street who resembled the description of a suspect arsonist. Soon after, Detectives contacted the suspect identified as 25-year-old Eduardo Lopez, transient in Santa Cruz. He was a match in surveillance videos from the business.

At the time of his arrest, Eduardo Lopez had two outstanding warrants and was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for arson and felony vandalism.

BACKGROUND: On August 22, 2018, around 4:44 a.m., Santa Cruz Police and Fire responded to 1100 block of River Street following the report of a small, suspicious fire within a landscaped area, across from the Tannery Arts Center. Santa Cruz Fire personnel arrived shortly after and found two small fires within the planted area. These small fires were quickly extinguished and caused only minor damage to the ground cover.

While conducting a follow-up investigation into the suspicious fires, police investigators were advised of felony vandalism that had occurred within the Tannery Arts Center complex, at about the same time. Detectives were able to recover several security videos from the surrounding area, and upon viewing them, were able to confirm the same unidentified male suspect was responsible for both crimes.

Santa Cruz Police Arrest Suspect In Child Annoyance Case

MEDIA RELEASE: On Thursday, October 4, 2018, an unidentified male adult suspect approached several high school-aged female victims on and around the campus of Santa Cruz High School and Downtown Santa Cruz. A total of 8 known victims, underage girls, as young as 14 years old have come forward describing similar child annoyance experience. The suspect would approach the girls unsolicited and then ask for their names, phone numbers and asked the girls out on dates.

Patrol Officers were able to positively identify the suspect as Kelsey Eisenman 23 years old from Santa Cruz. The teenage victims confirmed he was the man who followed and annoyed them. Detectives then obtained an arrest warrant for Kelsey Eisenman for eight counts of Child Annoying violation 647.6 of the Penal Code. The investigation also revealed that Mr. Eisenman has a prior arrest in 2016 for the same activity.

On Wednesday, October 10, 2018, Officer Mulvihill was conducting extra checks and recognized the suspect as he was walking in the downtown area. Officer Mulvihill contacted the suspect, who initially provided a false name. Officer Mulvihill confirmed Mr. Eisenman's true identity and arrested him on the warrant. While in custody, suspect Mr. Eisenman made spontaneously and incriminating statements regarding his conduct with the victims.

The Santa Cruz Police Department commends the Santa Cruz High School personnel for taking proactive steps and immediately notifying police of his presence and behavior on campus.

This case underscores the importance of the working relationship and full cooperation between Santa Cruz City Schools and the Police. The SCPD School Resource Officer is on duty to ensure the safety of students and staff in our city schools.

Concerned parents and other victims, please call, the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5839 or email dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com 

Child Annoying Suspect Arrested SANTA CRUZ POLICE Seeks Help Identifying Additional Victims Who Were Photographed

Santa Cruz Police is asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims of this annoying child suspect.

Christopher Swanson was seen near Santa Cruz High School campus several times by a female student who said Christopher Swanson had photographed her buttocks as well as other students’ buttocks. This quick thinking teen snapped a picture of the suspect and notified the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Detectives investigated the allegations and contacted Christopher Swanson, 29 years old from Santa Cruz. He was arrested on Thursday, October 4, 2018.

When interviewed by Detectives, Mr. Swanson admitted to secretly photographing and videoing females’ buttocks for the purpose of sexual gratification. Swanson admitted that he perceived some of these females to be as young as 16. Swanson also admitted to doing this at Santa Cruz High, the Santa Cruz Main Beach and, Downtown Santa Cruz.

A search of Swanson’s phone was conducted and there were numerous photos and videos recovered from the phone. Many of these images appeared to be secretly taken photos and videos of females’ buttocks. Many of the females appeared to be high school age.

Santa Cruz Police believe there may be more victims who were unknowingly photographed and videoed by Christopher Swanson in the City of Santa Cruz. If you had any contact with the suspect or observed his behavior, contact Detective Williams.

We are asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims with whom Christopher Swanson may have had contact. Concerned parents and other victims, please call, the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5839 or email dwilliams@cityofsantacruz.com 

Detective Warren's Dedication Leads To Arrest In Distraction Robbery Case - Pursued suspect purchased a one-way ticket to Romania and is now in custody.

Detective Warren's Dedication Leads To Arrest In Distraction Robbery Case - Pursued suspect purchased a one-way ticket to Romania and is now in custody.

On March 16, 2018, three individuals came into Byzantine Jewelry store on Pacific Avenue and began talking to the owner of the store. A male in the group, later identified as Roman Petre, was asking the owner various questions about merchandise and claimed he wanted to buy a gift for his wife. While the owner was engaged in talking to the initial group of customers, five more women came into the store and started to ask questions about merchandise.

** DISTRACTION SCAM - Diverting your attention with bogus questions and conversations is one of the oldest tricks in the book.

We call it a distraction scam when thieves working in organized pairs or a group create a distraction to steal from you. While you’re focused on another task or errand, they take advantage of your lack of attention to steal your valuables.**

The owner was getting an uneasy feeling and told the various members of each group he could only help one person at time. During this conversation, the owner noticed one of the females from the group was partially behind a display counter on the other side of the store. When he confronted her, the woman said she did not want to spend any money because he yelled at her and she was not feeling good. Both groups walked out together and left the area on Pacific Avenue.

Sensing something was off, the owner reviewed his security camera and saw one of the females in the group had crawled behind the counter to the back room where a safe was. The owner determined that over $20,000 in gold coins and silver bars were taken. After a full store inventory check, a total of $79,496 worth of various items including precious stones and jewelry was stolen.

 

Roman Petre Arrest In Distraction Robbery Case

Assigned to the case, SCPD Detective Brain Warren was determined to identify and track down the culprits. Thanks to Detective Warren's dedicated efforts, one suspect, Roman Petre 28 years old from Anaheim, was identified, tracked down and arrested in Orange County, Ca.

Recently, Detective Warren received information that Mr. Petre had purchased a one-way ticket to Romania departing Friday 8/24/18.

SCPD, in cooperation with the LAPD and a bail bond agency, detained Mr. Petre at the airport. Mr. Petre was transported back to the County of Santa Cruz and booked into jail. His bail is set at 1 million dollars.

Great Detective work and investigation follow up! Well done Detective Warren!

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

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

Five Suspects Identified in 6-23-18 Armed Robbery/ Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case

Over the weekend, SCPD Arrested Five Suspects Involved In An Armed Robbery & Assault with a Deadly Weapon Case

CASE UPDATE: Today, Detectives concluded interviews of the witnesses in the armed robbery incident on Saturday, June 23, 2018. The Santa Cruz Police Department has positively identified and arrested five suspects in this case. The following individuals were arrested for armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Bryce Bertao, 19 years old, from Watsonville, Juan Escobar, 21 years old, from Castroville, Roberto Ramirez, 23 years old, from Watsonville, De'maria Strong, 19 years old, from Salinas and John Zarate, 22-year-old from Freedom.

Bryce Bertao, 19 years old, from Watsonville

Juan Escobar, 21 years old, from Castroville

Roberto Ramirez, 23 years old, from Watsonville

De'maria Strong,19 years old, from Salinas

John Zarate, 22-year-old from Freedom

BACKGROUND: On June 23, 2018, at 5:53 p.m. SCPD responded to the parking lot at 701 West Cliff Drive for the report of a victim shot in the head. Upon our arrival, we located one victim with multiple lacerations to his head including a grazing gunshot wound. The victim is a 50-year-old male and Santa Cruz County resident. The victim was treated at the scene by the Santa Cruz Fire Department and AMR, and transported to a local hospital. The victim’s injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Multiple witnesses provided a suspect vehicle description, a license plate, and direction of travel. Shortly after the incident was reported, the suspect vehicle was located traveling south on Highway 1 and Chestnut St. The vehicle was a silver BMW. A high-risk car stop was initiated in the Harvey West area, and 5 suspects were detained. At this time the investigation is on-going, and the 5 suspects are being questioned. All 5 suspects are between 18-23 years old and from the Santa Cruz County and Monterey County area. The suspect’s names and photos are being withheld at this time due to the integrity of the investigation and follow up needed by Detectives.

It turns out the victim was approached by all 5 suspects demanding his property. A physical altercation ensued, and the victim was struck multiple times by all 5 suspects. During the altercation one of the suspects fired at the victim. Some of the stolen property was located inside the suspect vehicle and returned to the property owner.

Multiple agencies were involved in response to this incident including California Highway Patrol, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, Scotts Valley Police Department, Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force, Santa Cruz Fire Department and AMR.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

Santa Cruz Police Arrest Serial Groper

Santa Cruz Police arrested Frank Benavidez for groping several women today on Pacific Avenue. Quick-acting SCPD Officer Burnham stopped the suspect, who is a sex offender registrant, in a series of sexually motivated attacks.

 

Frank Benavidez, 43 years old from Salinas

On Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at about 11:07 a.m., Santa Cruz Police responded to a call of sexual battery that had just occurred in the 900 block of Pacific Avenue. The first victim, a woman fought off Frank Benavidez when he sexually groped her near the bus station. The second victim, a woman had been walking on the sidewalk when Frank Benavidez grabbed and physically assaulted her. The victim pushed the suspect off. However, he attacked her a second time. Two good Samaritans who witnessed the attack intervened. The suspect, Frank Benavidez then ran across the street and grabbed a third woman from behind. The victim fought off the suspect by punching and kicking him. The suspect chased after a fourth female and threatened to assault her sexually.

Within minutes Santa Cruz Police located the suspect Frank Benavidez, 43 years old from Salinas. Frank Benavidez is a recently registered transient sex offender in the City of Santa Cruz.

Detectives are reviewing video surveillance in the area. Investigators believe there may be additional victims in the series of groping attacks in the City of Santa Cruz. The victims were traumatized by the attack; none required medical attention.

Frank Benavidez was arrested for multiple counts of assault with intent to commit rape, sexual battery, and false imprisonment.

We are asking for the public’s help in identifying any additional victims with whom Frank Benavidez may have had contact. Please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at (831) 420-5820.

SCPD is also working with the Commission for the Prevention of Violence Against Women to encourage and connect victims with resources and prosecute crimes of violence against women.

Great Police Work - Shooter Arrested & Search Warrant Nets Drugs, Firearms & $36,500

Last week, after an in-depth investigation, Santa Cruz Police arrested Deshawn Hatfield in the 7/16 /17 attempted homicide shooting which also led Detectives to a drug dealing operation. Santa Cruz Police Department and the Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET) executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Kennan Street. Officers found 20 grams of methamphetamine, 1 pound of cocaine, 14 ounces of crack cocaine, 5 pounds of marijuana, firearms, dozens of rounds of ammunition, and $36,500 cash.

The initial investigation began on 07/16/17, around 2:00 a.m., an attempted homicide occurred in the 700 block of Pacific Ave. A 33-year-old, male victim was shot once in the neck and life flighted to an out-of-county trauma center. The victim has since recovered.

The suspects, described as two black male adults, fled the scene after the shooting. Detectives worked through the night and the following week collecting evidence and following up on leads. As a result, Deshawn Hatfield and Terrence Tolliver were identified as persons of interest in the case but had yet to be located.

Deshawn Hatfield, 27 years old from Santa Cruz

Terrance Tolliver, 30 years old from Santa Cruz 

On 07/31/17, around 1:00 a.m., Hatfield and Tolliver were both spotted and arrested in the 200 block of Front Street. Deshawn Hatfield, 27 years old from Santa Cruz, was arrested for possession for sales of crack cocaine and methamphetamine.

Terrance Tolliver, 30 years old from Santa Cruz was arrested for possession of a loaded stolen firearm and probation violation.

After interviewing both suspects regarding the 7/16/17 shooting incident, Detectives arrested Deshawn Hatfield for being the shooter in the attempt-homicide. Mr. Tolliver was released pending further investigation.

On 08/02/17 Detectives and SCPD NET served a search warrant at an address associated with Deshawn Hatfield and Terrence Tolliver on the 100 block of Kennan Street in Santa Cruz. Upon execution of the search warrant, officers recovered evidence in the attempted homicide and illegal drug manufacturing and sales located inside the home.

Officers seized the following evidence:
Loaded Sawed off .22 rifle
Loaded .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm
Homemade shotgun
Various rounds of Ammunition
Extended magazine for semi-automatic firearm
Stun gun
Money counter
$36,500 US Currency
20 grams of methamphetamine
1 pound of cocaine
14 ounces of crack cocaine
Approximately 5 pounds of marijuana

"I cannot express how grateful I am to my officers who made the arrests possible. Because of their efforts, the suspect involved in the attempted homicide is now in custody. It was the great teamwork and effort of our detectives and Neighborhood Enforcement Team who pieced together facts and circumstances leading to the identification and apprehension of the suspect which then also allowed us to shut down a drug operation.” said Chief Mills.

Community members wanting to assist this investigation with information are encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit at (831) 420-5820.

SCPD Recover Stolen Truck after Pursuit - Suspect Arrested

Yesterday afternoon, Santa Cruz Police arrested Charles Nelson, 46 years old from Santa Cruz, after he led officers on a short pursuit in a stolen vehicle.

,

Charles Nelson, 46 years old from Santa Cruz

On Tuesday 2/21/15 at approximately 2:51 p.m. an alert Santa Cruz Police Officer patrolling on the Westside located stolen tan Ford F-150 pickup truck parked on Chico Street. The Officer observed and followed the pickup truck as it drove south on Chico.

SCPD Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver of the F-150 truck failed to yield to the officer’s lights and siren and sped away. The truck then turned north onto Swanton, which was closed off to traffic due to crews working on a large tree that had fallen onto the roadway 200 yards north of West Cliff. The suspect drove through the yellow construction tape, over the median and continued north in the southbound lane of Swanton.

Responding officers ended their pursuit due to excessive speed and reckless driving of the suspect. Patrol Officers continued their search for the suspect and quickly found the truck abandoned at West Cliff and Cowell.

Thanks go to witnesses who reported seeing the suspect driver get out the vehicle and sprint away towards the Dream Inn. Several SCPD units responded to the hotel. Officers swiftly located Charles Nelson attempting to blend in with guests inside the hotel. 

The tan F-150 truck that Mr. Nelson was driving was reported stolen six days prior. The stolen vehicle was returned to the registered owner yesterday afternoon.

Further investigation revealed that in addition to this stolen vehicle, Mr. Nelson is on probation for a previously stolen car charge.

Charles Nelson was arrested and transported to jail for vehicle theft, reckless driving, and violation of probation.

SCPD crime prevention tips to help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

• Always lock and secure your vehicle, even if you are only going to be away from your vehicle for a couple of minutes.

• Never leave your car running and unattended, or leave the keys in your vehicle.

• Never hide a spare key to your car or truck on or inside the vehicle.

• Park in well-lighted and highly visible areas.

• Consider installing an alarm, an ignition kill switch, a mechanical anti-theft device, or vehicle tracking system.

• If your car or truck features an alarm or anti-theft device – use it. Thieves are reluctant to steal such vehicles. Many insurers offer discounts for the types of systems listed below.

• Do not leave valuables where they are visible, such as briefcases, purses, wallets, laptop/camera bags, gym bags, cellular phones, or any electronic items or devices. These types of articles make it enticing for thieves.

• Most importantly, always report any suspicious people or vehicles to SCPD. Call 9-1-1. Often the community reporting and calling the police is what leads to a suspects' arrest.

SCPD dedicates itself to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood.