Crime & Safety
Woman Shot, Beaten and Robbed Near Natural Bridges State Park Monday
The 21-year-old UCSC student was waiting at a bus stop at 7:30 p..m. when a man pointed a rifle at her and then struck her in the back of the head with it. Three hours later, police found she had also been shot.
Santa Cruz Police are looking for a man who robbed a 21-year-old UCSC student at 7:30 p.m. Monday while she was waiting for a bus.
The man came up from the woods near Natural Bridges Park and pointed a rifle at her and demanded she empty her pockets. He then hit her with the rifle.
She ran away and stopped a passing motorist, and while she did, she saw the man take her backpack.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The woman was taken to Dominican Hospital, where police were called back three hours later after doctors found a bullet lodged in her skull. They removed it and she is expected to fully recover.
Police were looking for a white PT Cruiser, possibly associated with the crime. The woman had noticed one circling the area before the robbery.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The suspect was described as light skinned, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a medium build. He was wearing jeans and a grey hoodie and a red bandana covered his face. He had a gruff voice and several days of stubble on his face.
If you have information, contact Santa Cruz Police investigations at (831) 420-5820.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
