Crime & Safety
Neighbors and Police Catch Jewel Thief
Neighbors in the 1100 block of Laurel Street chased a burglary suspect Saturday morning but lost him. Santa Cruz Police tipped off by other residents, found the man and $7,000 of stolen jewelry.
Neighbors on the 1100 block of Laurel Street Saturday gave chase to a man who had broken into a home at 8:30 a.m. but lost him. Even with the help of a Watsonville police dog, police who arrived on the scene couldn't find him.
But the same day at 1:30 p.m., police were called to the area of Seaside and Acadia streets, where someone spotted a prowler. This time they got their man.
Santa Cruz Police arrived soon after and caught Armani Carvajal, 22, of Ben Lomond, who is suspected of stealing $7,000 of jewelry, which hadn't yet been reported stolen.
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Santa Cruz Police said that Carvajal is suspected in five other residential burglaries. He was also arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia and parole violation.
Police ask anyone with information on the case to call the anonymous tip line at 420-5995 or leave a tip at www.santacruzpolice.com or on its mobile application at http://m.santacruzpolice.com.
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