Life Sentences; Child Rape Case: Santa Cruz County Police Logs

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Here's a collection of police, fire and courts news from around the county this week:

Laser Strikes Targeting Watsonville Pilots, Police Say

Lasers can incapacitate pilots, the Watsonville Police Department said.

Parents Call For Safer Roads In Watsonville

Hundreds have signed a petition to ask the city and state to prioritize repairs of worn down or unsafe roads, The Pajaronian reported.

Dog Reunited With Family After Burglary

Sophia escaped after a burglar left a family's gate open this week, the sheriff's office said.

Man Injured In Attack With Lumber, Police Say

Police say they found two guns in the man's car and are seeking to remove them from his possession.

Killer Of Gang Foe, 4-Year-Old Girl Gets 2 Life Prison Sentences

Michael Escobar, 36, drunkenly shot and killed a gang rival and bystanding child. He was sentenced Thursday to life in prison, police say.

Hearts Warmed By Winter Care Packages Donated By Deputies

Mittens, socks, a beanie and blanket are given to those in need during the chilly winter, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.

Watsonville Woman Gets Charges Reinstated In SC Child Rape Case

A judge reinstated 12 charges against two girlfriends of a surgeon who was also charged in the case and killed himself in jail, KSBW said.

Fireman Struck By Gunfire Honored With Blood Drive In Watsonville

Watsonville Fire Capt. Danny Lucas was in a medically induced coma for five days and used 24 units of blood during his 41-day hospital stay.

Gang Members Arrested After Traffic Stop, Police Say

Two young gang members were arrested Tuesday night in Watsonville during a routine traffic stop, police said.

Stranger Seen In Neighbor's Window Had Burglary Warrants, SO Says

A stranger seen through the window of a resident's beachfront home faced two burglary charges, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said.

Victim In Industrial Accident Was Watsonville Man

He died Thursday in an incident at the Royal Oaks facility of Monterey Mushrooms, based in Watsonville.

UCSC Republican Club Booth Attacked During Event

A student spit on an American flag, pulled down the group's sign and knocked over a conservative activist, KSBW reported.