Police Offer $12K for Info on Serious Crime Spree

The Santa Cruz Police Department is offering $12,500 in rewards for information on three crimes -- a murder, an attempted murder and a violent armed robbery -- that happened over a four-day span earlier this month.

Police are offering $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the Feb. 9 killing of Pauly Silva, 32, who was shot four times in downtown Santa Cruz, police said.

Three men were arrested in connection with Silva's shooting, which happened outside The Red Room bar at Locust and Cedar streets at about 12:30 a.m., but no one has been charged yet, police said.

Another $5,000 reward is available for information on the suspect who shot a University of California at Santa Cruz student in the head during a robbery at a bus stop on Natural Bridges Drive near Delaware Street on Feb. 11.

The bullet lodged in her skull, but surgeons removed it and the victim is expected to make a full recovery, police said.

A reward of $2,500 has been offered for information about two male suspects who robbed a Food Bin store on Mission Street, one armed with a rifle and the other with a large knife, on Feb. 13.

The suspects ordered everyone in the store to lie on the floor, and one of the men kicked a patron in the face during the robbery. They stole cash from the business and an iPad and iPod from one of the customers.

The reward money has been provided by the Police Department's Community Care Fund, which accepts donations from the public, police said.

Police said those seeking more information about the rewards may call Deputy Chief Steve Clark at (831) 420-5815.

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