Wildfires Rage; Arrested Officer Out: Santa Cruz Co. Police Logs

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

Watsonville Cop Out After Pummeling Casino Worker, Deputies Say

The ex-officer punched, kicked and attacked a casino worker with a barstool, and caused $30K in damage to slot machines, deputies said.

Santa Cruz Co. Resource Center To Serve Those Impacted By Fires

The center will provide resources needed to recover and rebuild.

SEE: Watsonville Police Rescue Chickens Stuck In Evacuation Zone

Police hatched a plan to pull off this egg-citing rescue of chickens stuck in their coop amid fires in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

CZU Lightning Complex Fires Burn 82,500 Acres; 26% Contained

Nearly 800 buildings have been destroyed.

Arrest Made After Firefighter's Credit Card Stolen

A community tip led to the arrest of a Santa Cruz man, now facing felony charges related to theft.

SEE: Santa Cruz Mountain Communities Sustain Significant Damage

Stay out of evacuation zones, first responders warn. Bridges have collapsed, trees have toppled and more.

DUI Checkpoint Planned In Watsonville

The checkpoint will take place Saturday, August 29.

3 Missing Men From Fire Evacuation Zones Sought

Anyone who has seen these people should contact the sheriff's office at 831-471-1121.

CZU Fires: Evacuees Start To Return; 81,500 Acres, 24% Contained

There have been 646 buildings destroyed in the Santa Cruz Mountains fires, officials said Thursday.

Firefighter's Wallet Stolen As He Fought CZU Lightning Complex

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect caught on camera in a convenience store.

330 Buildings Destroyed In CZU August Lightning Complex Fires

MAP: See which buildings have been damaged in the fires, which have significantly improved thanks to improved weather, firefighters say.

District Attorney Calls For Caution On Wildfire Scams

Below is a list of current scams the District Attorney office is aware of.

Firefighters Begin To Make Progress On CZU Lightning Complex Fire

Also: Several post offices in the region have closed. Find out where you should get your mail in the meantime.

Man Found Dead In CZU Lightning Complex Fires: Santa Cruz County

The death was reported Sunday evening.

Santa Cruz Opens Hotel Rooms To House Fire Evacuees

Santa Cruz emergency and human service officials were working to house community members displaced by fires Sunday.

CZU Lightning Complex Fires Burn 74K Acres, 1 Dead

Red flag wind conditions and dry lightning is expected to complicate firefighting efforts Sunday and Monday.

Santa Cruz County Urges Residents To Seek Shelter

The county provided an update on shelter space for Lightning Complex Fires evacuees.