Santa Cruz SCPD Case 21S-00969 Major Crime Investigation

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

February 19, 2021

SANTA CRUZ POLICE

DEPARTMENT

155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

DATE/TIME: February 17, 2021 04:38 a.m. LOCATION: 1600 Block of W. Cliff Dr.

TOPIC: Major Crime Investigation CASE NUMBER: 21S-00969

INVOLVED SUBJECT(S)

VICTIM

Name: Confidential D.O.B.: Confidential

SUSPECT

Name: Jason Anton Richardson D.O.B.: 08/14/1982 Arrest: Yes

Charges: 273.5 PC-Felony Domestic Violence, 207 PC-Kidnapping, 236 PC-False Imprisonment, 243.4(a) PC-Sexual Battery, 215 PC-Carjacking, 422 PC-Criminal Threats, 2800.2 CVC-Felony Evasion, and 3056 PC-Parole Violation

INFORMATION

On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Santa Cruz Police Department Officers (SCPD) were dispatched to the 1600 block of West Cliff Dr. for a report of a physical altercation between two subjects. Officers arrived on scene moments later in which the victim and suspect were still on scene. The suspect was later identified as 38 year-old parolee Jason Anton Richardson. Immediately upon officer’s arrival, Richardson fled the scene in a vehicle which officers pursued. The pursuit led SCPD officers and members of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) northbound on Highway 17 reaching speeds of approximately 100 mph. CHP was ultimately able to disable the suspect vehicle and safely apprehend Richardson without further incident. The victim was contacted by SCPD Officers at the scene and transported to Dominican Hospital for medical treatment. Due to the nature of the case the victim’s identity will remain confidential.

Santa Cruz Police Department Detectives were called in to assist with the investigation. The investigation revealed a domestic incident occurred in the suspect vehicle during the evening hours which resulted in several additional criminal acts to include, kidnapping, false imprisonment, sexual battery, criminal threats, carjacking and ultimately the reckless evasion in a vehicle to avoid arrest. Richardson was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on the listed charges. His booking photo was not available at the time of this media release.

Detectives are actively following up with witnesses, processing the crime scene and reviewing video surveillance. The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Santa Cruz Police Department Detective Bridges at (831) 420-5830 or leave information on the Crime Tip Line at (831) 420-5995.

For additional information, contact: Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez Phone: (831) 420-5856

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com.

SCPD Case 21S-00969 Major Crime Investigation

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