Crime & Safety
Fallen Deputy Honored; Body Found: Santa Cruz County Police Logs
Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller is honored with an emotional ceremony; corpse found in the mountains; and more in police, fire and courts this week.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Here's a collection of police, fire and courts news from around the county this week:
Man Gets 5 Years In Prison For DUI Crash: Report
The Santa Cruz County man was under the influence of meth and cannabis, KION reported.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watsonville Crackdown On Illegal Fireworks Begins Friday
If you're caught in possession of illegal fireworks, you could be fined $1,000, police said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Inmate Died Of Water Intoxication, Sheriff's Office Says
Tamario Smith, 21, was found dead in his jail cell last month. The sheriff's office said foul play is not suspected.
Santa Cruz Police 'Will Enact Improvements,' Chief Said
"If you have serious suggestions, let us hear them," Chief Andrew Mills said Sunday.
Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller: A Man 'Too Beautiful To Describe'
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's sergeant fatally shot on duty was memorialized at Cabrillo College, where he began his career years ago.
Man Charged With Attempted Murder Of Woman, Teenage Girl
The shooting took place after a dispute between the man and his girlfriend's family, police said.
Memorial Procession Honors Fire Captain Who Unexpectedly Died
Branciforte Fire Protection District Captain Peder McElroy served Santa Cruz County for 22 years. His colleagues honored him this weekend.
SEE: SeaBreeze Tavern Unsafe For Occupancy After Fire
A significant amount of second-floor storage made it difficult for firefighters to tackle the blaze.
Woman Dies In Santa Cruz Car Crash
A young man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Corpse Found Sunday In Santa Cruz County, Sheriff's Office Says
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is seeking witnesses in the area at the time of the crime.
SEE: Car Crashes Into Santa Cruz Home
A driver had a seizure, accelerated to 70 mph, hit a parked car and crashed into a garage.
2-Acre Grass Fire Extinguished In Watsonville Sunday: Report
The fire was located east of Highway 1, KSBW reported.
Deputy Injured In Shooting Honored Upon Release From Hospital
Deputy Alex Spencer received a hero's welcome after he was shot during a recent ambush attack, the Santa Cruz Co. Sheriff's Office said.
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