Stolen Purple Jeep Recovered in Santa Cruz Motel Lot, Man Arrested

The Santa Cruz County Auto Theft (SCARE) task force located a stolen vehicle in Santa Cruz Tuesday, leading to the arrest of a suspect with the help of the California Highway Patrol.

A stolen light purple 1996 Jeep Cherokee was located in the parking lot of the Torch Light Inn on 500 Riverside Drive in Santa Cruz, according to CHP officials.

The Jeep had been reported stolen from a residence in Watsonville on Nov. 11, CHP officials said.

When the Jeep exited the parking lot, SCARE investigators alerted a nearby CHP officer who stopped the vehicle on the corner of Soquel Avenue and Riverside Drive.

The driver, Meryl Craig, 44, of Santa Cruz, was found in possession of a controlled substance, while also carrying evidence of illegal drug sales and driving under the influence of a controlled substance, CHP officials said.

Craig was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail for vehicle theft, possession and transportation of controlled substances for sales, and driving under the influence.

Anyone with any information regarding vehicle theft is encouraged to call the SCARE tip line at (831) 465-7433

--Bay City News