Arrests Made In Rash Of Santa Cruz Shootings

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A spate of shootings in Santa Cruz prompted a public response Thursday from the police department, and news came Friday that two suspects were arrested, although investigations continue.

Four shooting incidents have occurred in the city over the last month, and police suspect gang violence may be to blame.

Michael Trabue Day, 19, of San Jose, and Enrique Rocha, 20, of Watsonville, were both arrested Thursday in connection with shootings in the area, Santa Cruz police announced Friday. Day was picked up in Capitola and is known to have Santa Cruz ties, police said. Rocha was arrested at his home in Watsonville. Both men were booked on suspicion of attempted homicide, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and participation in a criminal street gang.

"Since July 21, 2019, Santa Cruz Police Detectives have been working tirelessly on these series of shootings. As a result of this spike of violence, Santa Cruz Police Department deployed multiple gang suppression operations and collaborated with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime and Gang Task Force team in an effort to curb the uptick in related violence," the department stated in Thursday's news release.

"The Santa Cruz Police Department will continue to collaborate with allied agencies in an effort to curb this rash of gun violence within the community," the department stated in the news release.

On Wednesday, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Santa Cruz police spotted a group of people drinking alcohol in the area of Liebrandt Avenue at Beach Street. After officers made contact with the group, 19-year-old Cesar Corcoles was arrested for multiple weapons possession violations with a criminal street gang enhancement, police said. A male juvenile was also arrested for an outstanding felony warrant, probation violation and possession of a loaded firearm.

The list of recent shootings include:

Aug. 13: Shooting Wounds 1 In Santa Cruz, Police Seek Public's Help

Aug. 3: Police Seek Tips, Video In Santa Cruz Shooting

July 31: Santa Cruz Bus Terminal Shooting: Police Searching For Witnesses

July 21: At approximately 4:30 p.m., Santa Cruz Police Officers responded to the report of multiple gunshots heard in the 300 block of Barson Street. When officers arrived on scene they found evidence that a shooting had occurred, but no victims were identified at the time of the initial investigation.