Santa Cruz Police Investigate City's First Shooting Of 2021

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz police are investigating the city's first shooting of 2021.

An 18-year-old victim is expected to survive his injuries after the Thursday night shooting in Westside Santa Cruz. No arrests had been made as of Friday morning, but police are investigating "strong leads," said Lt. Arnold Vasquez in an email.

A caller reported multiple shots were fired around 9:30 p.m. and police soon learned that a shooting victim was taken to the Dominican Emergency Room for treatment, according to a statement from the Santa Cruz Police Department.

Police said officers spoke to the victim and witnesses at the hospital and learned the incident occurred in the 200 block of Seaside Street. A photo posted by the police department indicated officers were investigating an apparent crime scene in front of a driveway in the neighborhood.

Police searched the area for video surveillance and witnesses, and investigators are following up on leads.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Taylor Trueblood at 831-420-5837 or leave information on the crime tip line at 831-420-5995.