The Santa Cruz Police Department (SCPD) and UC Santa Cruz Police Department (UCSCPD) documents all reported crimes in the city and on campus. All information is provided by the SCPD and UCSCPD. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
CITY
Burglars break into City Hall, steal mayor’s laptop
Jan. 28, 2:32 a.m. — Security at Santa Cruz City Hall found a window screen cut and a rock thrown through a window. Unknown suspects stole Mayor Mike Rotkin’s city-issued laptop computer. Police have no suspects, nor any reason to believe that the mayor was specifically targeted.
Suspected drug dealers arrested in Pogonip Park
Jan. 28, 10:30 a.m. — Officers arrested three suspects, all Santa Cruz area transients, on drug-related charges in Pogonip City Park. Alfonso Marquez, 23, was arrested for possession of 10 grams of heroin with intent to sell, and being under the influence of a controlled substance. Rey Antonio, 23, was found to have methamphetamines and marijuana on him. He also had several outstanding warrants and was in violation of his probation. John Pitts, 31, was arrested for various felony drug warrants.
Car owner catches woman breaking into vehicle
Jan. 30, 9:03 a.m. — Kelli Ringer, 45, was caught breaking into a car on the 200 block of Third Street. As the owner approached, the suspect pulled a screwdriver on her and kicked her in the chest. When officers arrived, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and auto burglary.
Man arrested with stolen gun
Feb. 1, 9:19 p.m. — Officers stopped Juan Mendoza, 23, at the intersection of Grandview Street and Arroyo Seco for allegedly running a stop sign. Officers found two bags of marijuana and a stolen, loaded semi-automatic handgun in the car. The suspect was arrested for possession of a loaded firearm and possession of marijuana.
CAMPUS
Forgery of parking permit
Jan. 28, 9:29 a.m. — A parking enforcement officer noticed a car parked at Kresge with a fake parking permit. The parking officer booted the car and left a note for the driver to bring the permit down to the police department. The car’s owner, Vanessa Cerna, 22, admitted to authorities that she had scanned a friend’s parking permit and Photoshopped her vehicle information on it. The suspect was cited for forgery and referred to the District Attorney’s office for prosecution.
Vandalism
Jan. 31, 12:05 a.m. — Officers responded to a report of someone throwing a rock through the window of a residence in the campus trailer park. The unknown subject was described as a white male, 5’10” and wearing all-black clothing. The occupant reported nothing stolen, and the motive remains unknown.
