Update – The Santa Cruz Police Department on March 1 announced arrests in connection with these incidents.
City of Santa Cruz police responded to two incidents of suspected gang violence Friday night near university housing in downtown Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz police responded to the 7-Eleven on Ocean Street Friday, Feb. 26 at 11:45 p.m. on a report of a victim with multiple stab wounds. The victim, a 19-year-old from Watsonville, said he had been stabbed in downtown Santa Cruz.
The victim sustained multiple knife wounds to his face and torso. He was taken to a Bay Area trauma center where he is undergoing treatment. Santa Cruz police said the attack happened at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Center Street. Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the stabbing is asked to contact investigators at 831-420-5820.
In a separate incident, Feb 27, at approximately 12:08 a.m., Santa Cruz police responded to reports of gunfire in the area of Cedar and Cathcart streets.
Officers located a victim of gunshot wounds, a male, 27, from Watsonville, with wounds to his hand and lower back. He was taken to a Bay Area trauma center where he is recovering from surgery and is in stable condition.
Based on preliminary statements from the victim and witnesses, the shooting appears to be gang related.
Anyone with information on the suspect’s identity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department investigation unit at 831-420-5820. Anonymous tips can be sent to the police department tip line at 831-420-5995, or at www.santacruzpolice.com.
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 incident or has any information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Santa Cruz Police Department at 831.420.5820 or the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231, ext.1.
Safety Tips
Victims are not responsible for being victimized, regardless of any action or inaction on their part. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.
- If you feel you or others are in danger, immediately call 911.
- Immediately report all crimes, suspicious people, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
- 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.
Campus Resources
- 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 students 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.
- The Conduct and Community Standards Office can be reached at (831) 459-1738 or at http://deanofstudents.ucsc.edu/student-conduct/.
- Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911 from any landline or cell phone. Reports may also be made by using one of the many "blue light," emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus, or in person at the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.
This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
