Community Crime Bulletin - Kidnapping, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for assistance from witnesses and the community in identifying the suspects involved in the early morning kidnapping, robbery, assault, battery, and false imprisonment of UC Santa Cruz students. 

A UC Santa Cruz student reported that at around midnight on Tuesday, November 24, he was walking alone on the 400 block of Front Street in Santa Cruz, near the Greyhound Bus Station when he went by an older white, four-door sedan (unknown make or model). As he approached the car, three males and a female standing next to it started talking to him. The three males attacked the victim, took him to the ground, and began to rob him. The male suspects brandished knives and forced the student in the car. The suspects stole money and a cell phone. 

The suspects drove to Oakes College, where they forced the student to take them to a friend's dorm room, with the intent to rob more students. While in the dorm room, the male suspects again brandished knives, threatened, punched, and robbed the students, taking cell phones and money. A third roommate arrived during the robbery and was shoved into a wall by one of the suspects.

The suspects then drove off in an unknown direction.

All four student victims suffered minor injuries, including contusions to the face and complaints of pain from the attack. They were treated by the Santa Cruz Fire Department on scene.

The suspects were described as:

• Suspect 1 - A Latino male, 20 to 25 years of age with long, dark, slightly curly hair, who is more than 6 feet tall, weighing more than 200 pounds. He was wearing baggy jeans and a black beanie. He brandished a folding knife and threatened to use it during the incident.
• Suspect 2 - A white male, 20 to 25 years of age with light, medium length hair, who is about 5-feet, 11-inches tall, weighing about 180 pounds. He was wearing jeans and a green, short sleeve shirt. He brandished what appeared to be a switch blade knife during the incident.
• Suspect 3 - A white male, 20 to 25 years of age with shoulder length blond/brown hair. A clothing description isn't available. He was carrying an unknown object that could have been a knife.
• Suspect 4 - A white female, 19 to 23 years of age. No further suspect description is available.

The suspects also had a light brown pit bull with a white spot on its body.

The investigation is ongoing. Updates regarding this incident, when and if available, will be provided.

Timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations, and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department. Anyone who may be a witness to this crime or has any information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231, ext.1.

No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. 

• If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911. 
• Victims of crime and witnesses should report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department, when it is safe to do so by calling 911. 
• Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers. 
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area. 
• Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas. 
• Use the Night Safety Escort Program, Monday through Thursday evening from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831-459-2231 ext. 1. More information can be found online.

UC Santa Cruz is a community committed to being inclusive and welcoming of all people. We strive to provide a safe place for everyone to work and learn.

For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate. More information can be found online.

For student and employees, the Office of Harassment and Discrimination, Prevention and Investigation Unit can provide assistance and can be reached at 831-459-2462.

For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support. More information can be found online.

Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911 from any landline or cell phone. Reports may also be made by utilizing one of the several "blue light," emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus.