Man In Critical Condition After Gang-Related Shooting In Santa Cruz Sunday

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz police are investigating a shooting Sunday night that left one male victim in critical condition. According to police, at 8:47 p.m. 23-year-old Jose Luis Mendoza of Santa Cruz was shot by two suspects while walking east on Barson Street at Ocean Street. Witnesses reported seeing two men drive by in a small, dark-colored, four-door sedan.

The suspects, who were wearing hoodies, pulled over, exited the car and contacted Mendoza, police said. According to police, one of the suspects allegedly pulled out a small caliber handgun and fired at Mendoza, who was shot several times. Mendoza then ran a short distance away, and the suspects fled the scene in the sedan.

Police responded to the scene within a few minutes, located Mendoza and gave him first aid until Santa Cruz Fire Department crews arrived, police said. Mendoza was airlifted to a nearby trauma center for treatment of
multiple gunshot wounds. He is in critical condition, police said.

Officers coordinated a countywide search for the suspects, canvassed the area for evidence and interviewed witnesses. The suspects remain at large.

This case is being investigated as a gang-related shooting, and anyone with information is asked to contact police. Anonymous tips can be called to the Tip Line at (831) 420-5995 or submitted online at
www.santacruzpolice.com.

By Bay City News

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