Crime & Safety
Police Investigate Two Vehicle Arsons in Santa Cruz
The fires occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, on Walnut Avenue and Button Avenue, respectively.
The Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating two cases of vehicle arson which occurred this week. Although the Santa Cruz Fire Department was able to put out both blazes, the cars both suffered "significant" damage, according to the SCPD.
On Tuesday, Jan 8, around 11:35 p.m., a 1998 BMW 540 was torched on the 500 block of Walnut Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz.
Witnesses reported seeing two suspects fleeing the scene—one of the suspects was described as wearing dark clothing and having a slender build, according to the SCPD.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
On Wednesday evening, around 7:25 p.m., a Chevy Suburban went up in flames on the 200 block of Button Street. Witnesses reported seeing a Hispanic male around 5'7'', with a large build and shaved head fleeing the scene, according to the SCPD.
This witness is thought to be between the ages of 25 and 30 years, and was wearing a black "boonie" style hat, a blue Pendleton and white T-shirt.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Evidence was collected from both crime scenes and police are investigating a possible connection between the two incidents.
Anybody with information is encouraged to contact the SCPD investigations unit at 831-420-5820.
*This article will be updated as information is made available.
