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Community Crime Bulletin—Update: Arrest made in false imprisonment and kidnapping case

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police

December 02, 2016

Jose Calderon Ortiz

Anyone who recognizes Ortiz or the car from other incidents is encouraged to immediately call the UCSC Police Department at 831–459–2231, ext. 1.

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with the false imprisonment and kidnapping that was reported yesterday.

Officers arrested Jose Calderon Ortiz, 28, of Watsonville, and booked him into the Santa Cruz County Jail.

Investigators with the UC Santa Cruz Police Department identified Ortiz based off leads generated during the initial investigation.

At 9 p.m. Thursday, with the assistance of the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team, Ortiz was detained in Watsonville for a probation compliance check after a traffic stop. He was subsequently arrested and his car was impounded. The Department of Justice’s Forensic Unit will assist in the collection of evidence.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to immediately call the UCSC 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. Report all suspicious persons, in-progress crimes, and emergencies to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department 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.
  • Whenever possible, please remember to lock your vehicle and residence doors. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
  • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
  • Encourage the use of the Night Safety Escort Service, offered by the UC Santa Cruz Police Department from Monday through Thursday evenings, from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. More information about this service can be found at: http://police.ucsc.edu/services/night-escort-safety-service.html.
  • Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.

Campus resources

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.

For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support.

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).