Cops Hunting Gunman Who Fatally Shot Man Near Downtown Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Police are seeking a gunman who allegedly shot and killed another man following an argument this morning near downtown Santa Cruz.

Around 8 a.m., officers responded a report of a shooting on the Santa Cruz Riverwalk levee along the San Lorenzo River near the 400 block of Front Street, according to police spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke.

Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper torso, Blaschke said.

Medical crews attempted to treat the victim, believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s, but he was pronounced dead the scene, according to Blaschke.

Witnesses told officers the victim and the gunman appeared to know each other and had gotten into a verbal dispute, Blaschke said.

The suspect then pulled out a gun and shot the victim before fleeing on foot. He was last seen heading north on the levee toward Cathcart Street, according to Blaschke.

The suspect is described as a white man in his late 20s to early 30s who was wearing a baseball cap, a beige hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, Blaschke said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Santa Cruz police tip line at (831) 420-5995. Callers have the option of remaining anonymous.

• Also see: Man Arrested For Alleged Break-In Of Home He Rented On Airbnb In Nearby Santa Clara Co.

--Bay City News/Image via SCPD