Media Releases: Armed Robbery-Bank 1/10/18 AND Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit/ Arrest 1/11/18

Armed Robbery-Bank Case# 18S-00274

The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a bank robbery that occurred on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 4:45pm. The robbery occurred at the US Bank at 110 Morrissey Blvd.

Officers responded to the bank, however the subject involved had already fled the scene. During the investigation it was determined through statements of the victims, witnesses, and security footage the suspect displayed a firearm and demanded money from the bank tellers. During the robbery the suspect ordered the bank staff to open the drawers, and was successful in taking an undisclosed amount of cash.

The suspect was last seen running out of the bank into the parking lot. During the investigation the police department received follow -up information leading them to the area of High St. Officers searched the area, and were unsuccessful in locating any further information.

The suspect is described as an unknown race male, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, donning sunglasses, mask, and gloves.
Currently the Santa Cruz Police Department is actively investigating the bank robbery.

If anyone has any information regarding this case please call the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigation Unit @ (831) 420-5820.

Vandalism / Vehicle Pursuit Case #18S-00280/00281
Police Pursuit Ends with Subject in Custody

On January 11, 2018 at approximately 12:05 hours, the Santa Cruz Police Department responded to a business located within 2200 block of Mission Street for a reported vandalism.

The suspect also subsequently threw a metal chair through a glass door prior to leaving the location. It is notable that as a citizen chased the suspect, the suspect advised he was in possession of a firearm (no firearm seen).

The suspect returned and was identified as Michael Richards. A vehicle pursuit ensued. Richards intentionally rammed the marked K-9 Police Car and drove through San Lorenzo Park, eventually evading Police.

At about 7:30am, Officers again responded to a disturbance involving Richards who fled into the waist deep San Lorenzo River.

Eventually Richards was taken into custody and obtained medical clearance prior to being booked into jail on the following charges: felony evading, felony assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.

The Police Department is actively investigating the above listed vandalism incident, and additional criminal charges related to Richards may follow.

Beach Flats Mural Vandalism

The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism to mural artwork at the Beach Flats Park.

Over the weekend, vandals painted over two murals on a storage building at the park. The damage to the murals on the building appears to have been done over two separate nights.

Mural as it was before vandalism

The mural on one side of the building had depicted a family scene. The adjacent sidewall had a mural of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Additionally, the vandals painted the Beach Flats Park sign and another sign at Riverside and Leibrandt.

Adjacent side of building mural prior to vandalism
Below painted out Beach Flats sign

A possible suspect was as a described female, mid 40s age range with brown wavy curly hair, wearing brown sweatshirt and brown long dress.

The murals have historical and cultural significance to the Beach Flats community. These acts of vandalism are taken very seriously by the Santa Cruz Police Department and will not be tolerated in our community.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is scouring the area for video surveillance and possible witnesses. We are asking for the public’s help to identify this suspect wanted in this investigation.
Anyone with information relative to the vandalism and suspect’s identity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820. Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or www.santacruzpolice.com