Swift Patrol Work Captures Downtown Burglar in the Act

In the early morning hours of June 20, 2013, Santa Cruz Police officers responded to a report of a burglary alarm at a business in the 1100 block of Pacific Avenue.  The alarm call came in at 4:25 AM.   

Veteran officers David Emigh and Jeff Auldridge responded, arriving at the business in less than 90 seconds.  They quickly established a perimeter and observation on the business.  They reported the ability to see the suspect inside the store.  The officers reported that the suspect was wearing gloves and a bandanna across his face.  He was also carrying a crowbar through the store.    

The officers found the door to the business ajar, and saw the suspect Nathan Kelly inside the business.  Kelly had positioned merchandise near the door of the business.  One of the items included a Martin acoustic guitar valued at $1,500. 

Officers Emigh and Auldridge confronted Mr. Kelly at gunpoint as he came out of a back room in the store.  Kelly surrendered without resistance.  Officers found the crowbar concealed in his pants. 

Mr. Kelly admitted to the burglary and prying the doors to the business with the crowbar.  He also admitted to attempting to steal the guitar.  Mr. Kelly was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for Burglary.  Mr. Kelly’s recent history of arrest includes two citations for illegal camping in the past 30 days. 

Mr. Kelly’s method of operation is similar to other recent burglaries in the downtown area.  Detectives will be following up to see if Mr. Kelly is connected to any of the unresolved cases.  

Great response time and tactical work by Officer Dave Emigh and Jeff Auldridge!!!
 

Here's his booking photo:

Honor Guard Participates in Memorial Ceremony

Santa Cruz Police Department Honor Guard members joined thousands of police officers and families  in Sacramento this week for the California State Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony.  The ceremony took place near the state capitol building. Last year, the number of officers killed in the line of duty increased by 14 percent nationwide.

 

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/03/4462031/three-memorial-events-in-sacramento.html#storylink=cpy

Learn More About Officer Dave Emigh!

You may know Officer Dave Emigh as the guy that's always quick to offer directions or follow-up on one of your questions. We know him as the most imposing member of our softball team. Height, strength and left-handed... deadly softball combo.

But his softball skills aside we figure you wanted to know more about him... so here you go!

Name your favorite spot in Santa Cruz...

Officer Emigh: I would have to say the

West Cliff Dr.

area has to be one of my favorites, although it is difficult to narrow it down to just one.  The view is incredible at any time of the year and since I proposed to my wife in that area, it has a sentimental meaning for me.

We've noticed a lot of sports gear in your house... favorite teams?

Officer Emigh: Has to be the Niners for football and as far as baseball goes, I am a Bay Area fan.  I root for both the Giants and A’s.

Other than answering blog questions, what is your favorite thing about working for SCPD?

Officer Emigh: It has to be working with some of the best people I know.  I have been able to create very positive working relationships with everyone and the friendships are important.  I have been able to incorporate my family life in with several of the fellow officers I work with and that is important to me and my family.

What is the most important or memorable case you've worked?

Officer Emigh: I have been able to be a part of several high profile cases within my career including several homicides.  I don’t want to say that any of them are more important that the other but the experiences have benefitted my experience within the department.  I am most proud of the DUI work that I have been able to accomplish.  Having some personal experience with these cases has given me the desire to pursue that avenue as well as assist in the training of other officers within the department.

Obviously keeping impared drivers off the streets is a favorite pasttime. But do you have other hobbies? Did you grow up here?

Officer Emigh: Having grown up in the area has helped greatly.  I attended primary and secondary school in the area and then moved on to San Jose State University.   I attended the police academy at Gavilan College in Gilroy.  I grew up playing several sports and the primary one for me was volleyball.  I played in college (indoor) as well as several years on the beach.  Other hobbies include sailing and surfing as well as cooking.  Being someone that eats (a lot) my cooking skills have expanded to say the least!