Crime & Safety
Assault On Santa Cruz Co. Deputy: Suspect Arrested
The Felton suspect was questioned on a car break-in when he punched a deputy, then ran and hid under high school bleachers, officials said.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – A 27-year-old Felton resident was arrested Thursday evening for allegedly punching a Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputy after being stopped and questioned on a car break-in.
Law enforcement was called at 5:44 p.m. to a vehicular burglary near 7th and Soquel avenues in Santa Cruz Ave. and spoke at the scene to Shane Braden, the agency said.
"While speaking with Braden, without warning, Braden punched the sergeant in the face causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the pavement," the department said adding that, after the alleged punch, the man ran toward Harbor High School.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Watsonville and Santa Cruz police departments were called to assist in the incident.
A police-safety perimeter was established around the school, notifications were sent to adjacent residences, and the suspect, later determined to have a felony warrant, was located under the school's football-field bleachers and was arrested without incident, the sheriff's office said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The injured deputy was treated and released from a local hospital, the agency said.
Braden was arrested on suspicion of battery on a peace officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and a probation violation.
--Image via Santa Cruz County Sheriff
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
