Community Crime Bulletin: 417 PC—Brandishing with a knife (Case 17-604)

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, UC Santa Cruz Chief of Police

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is seeking the community's assistance with identifying a man who brandished a knife at a student.

At approximately 10:20 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, a student was sitting on a bench at the Porter College Quad when he was approached by two Latino men. One of the men became verbally aggressive toward the student. As the student attempted to leave the area, one of the men brandished a knife at the student. The other Latino man pulled the suspect away, and both of them left the area toward the Porter College Apartments.

The two suspects are described as:

  • A 19- or 20-year-old Latino man, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds. He had black "shaggy" hair that covered his forehead, and was wearing a black, button-up jacket.
  • A 19- or 20-year-old Latino male, about 5-feet, 8-inches tall with "slick back hair."

Anyone who may be a witness or has information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231, ext. 1.

Safety Tips
No action or inaction by a crime victim makes that person responsible for their victimization. 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.
  • Whenever possible, please remember to lock you vehicle. 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 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. More information can be found online.

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. 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 suspicious persons, in-progress crimes, and emergencies by calling 911.

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).