City Of Santa Cruz Battery-Hate Crime Arrest

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

July 9, 2020

SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT
155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

DATE: June 28, 2020

TOPIC: Battery-Hate Crime Arrest

CASE NUMBER: 20S-03674

LOCATION: 1400 block Ocean St

INVOLVED SUBJECTS:

Suspect: Cody Chavez, Age 32, San Jose

Arrested: Yes

Charges: Battery W/ Serious Bodily Injury, Violation of Civil Rights Causing Violent Injury and Resisting Arrest

VICTIM: Male-46 years, Native of Jamaica

INFORMATION

On June 28, 2020, at approximately 0237 hrs, Santa Cruz Police responded to the 1400 block of Ocean St, for a report of a physical fight in front of a motel. Officers arrived on scene and located the victim and suspect from the fight. Through their investigation, Officers learned that the victim was physically assaulted by the suspect, Cody Chavez, and the attack was unprovoked. During the attack, Chavez used racial epithets towards the victim. The victim, a native of Jamaica, sustained serious, but non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a trauma center. Due to the seriousness of the crime, SCPD Detectives were called in to conduct a thorough and detailed investigation and provide resources to the victim. Chavez, who is from San Jose, was arrested and booked for Battery W/ Serious Bodily Injury, Violation of Civil Rights Causing Violent Injury, and Resisting Arrest. A bail enhancement for Chavez was requested and approved by a local Magistrate. SCPD Detectives are continuing to follow up on this case to determine the motive for the attack.

Deputy Chief of Police; Bernie Escalante stated in regards to this attack, “There is no place for this heinous behavior in our community, or our country, and we will not tolerate it. The Santa Cruz Police Department will do everything within our ability and authority to hold this person accountable through the criminal justice system. Our hearts go out to the victim and wish him a speedy recovery. “

Photo of Chavez is pending release, due to the need to show additional photographic line-ups to witnesses

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820.

Felony Battery-Hate Crime Arrest 20S-03674

For additional information, contact: Lt Jon Bush Phone: (831) 420-5874

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com . Tipsters can also submit an anonymous tip via our smartphone app or from an SMS text. Visit our website for instructions.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.