News Update: Two Santa Cruz police officers are reported dead tonight after shootings that occurred in a neighborhood on the east side of the city of Santa Cruz. One of the officers, police detective Elizabeth Butler, was a UCSC alumna (see campus profile and Santa Cruz Sentinel article). The incident occurred near the intersection of Water Street and Branciforte Avenue, several miles from the entrance to the UCSC campus.
Statement from UCSC Chancellor
George Blumenthal shared this statement on Tuesday night after learning of the death of two City of Santa Cruz police officers earlier in the day.
The Santa Cruz Sentinel is one of many news organizations covering the shootings, which have also resulted in the closure of the Branciforte neighborhood between Water and Soquel Avenue. See story for update.
Due to the street closure there, members of the UCSC community may encounter significant traffic if traveling in that area of the city.
News reports indicate that police believe the lone suspect also died; officers, however, have been conducting a door-to-door search in the area where streets are closed in an effort to make certain that there are no other suspects in the case.
UCSC police have been providing support to city police on the west side of the city, nearer the campus.
Support Resources for Staff and Students: During periods like this, people can sometimes experience heightened feelings of anxiety or distress. Students can access support through Counseling and Psychological Services at the Student Health Center by calling 831-459-2628. Staff and faculty may access counseling support through the Employee Assistance Program by calling 866-808-6205.
