Santa Cruz Car Stop Leads To Recovered Gun and Arrest

SANTA CRUZ - Santa Cruz Police Friday night arrested a man who allegedly ran from them after a car stop, dropping a gun in the street during the chase.

According to police, a citizen tip led them to a suspicious vehicle in the area of La Fonda Ave and Prospect Heights about 11:20 p.m.

Police say a check of the license showed the registration had expired in May 2015, even though it was displaying a tab for 2016. Police detained the vehicle.

During the stop, Santa Cruz police say they found the driver had a suspended driver’s license, and both the driver and one of his two passengers were on probation with active search terms.

Officers made contact with a passenger, 23-year-old Oakland resident Denzel Sumpter.

According to police, Sumpter was uncooperative and "continually fidgeted with his pockets and waistband of his pants."

Authorities say as officers attempted to pat-search Sumpter, he broke away and ran from them.

He was caught near Morrissey Blvd and Prospect Heights.

During the struggle, Santa Cruz police say Sumpter dropped a gun that landed in the middle of the street. After a prolonged struggle, police say officers took Sumpter into custody and recovered the gun.

The firearm is a Kel Tec 9mm handgun. Police say officers noticed the serial number had been partially removed from the firearm.

Officers say they also located several rounds of 9mm ammunition and an extended magazine for the firearm in the vehicle, and found marijuana.

The driver of the car was cited for driving on a suspended driver’s license and the car was towed.

Denzel Sumpter was booked into County Jail for charges related to possession of the firearm including the illegal magazine and serial number that had been removed, according to authorities.

He was also charged with resisting arrest.

-images via Santa Cruz Police Department