CAPITOLA — The Capitola Police Department announced Tuesday an arrest had been made in connection to a slew of crimes across Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Capitola police booked the suspect, a 44-year-old man from out of county, into Santa Cruz County Jail on multiple felony charges including robbery, obstruction, theft and a parole hold, as well as Ramey warrants from nearby counties, a type of warrant issued before a prosecutor files formal criminal charges.
Last week, Capitola police investigated a robbery from a business where a loss prevention officer was injured when the suspect shoved them to ground, according to a statement from the department. Officers recognized the suspect from an arrest a few months ago, who has had a history of evading police, theft, and violent crime.
On Jan. 8, officers received reports that the suspect had just fled from an attempted traffic stop by Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Highway 9. Shortly after, a Capitola police unit located the suspect, who again evaded law enforcement on what was believed to be a stolen motorcycle.
Police said the suspect fled recklessly from officers through an apartment complex and against the direction of traffic, driving directly toward a motor officer at a high rate of speed, nearly causing a collision. To ensure the safety of the community, Capitola police officers made the decision to discontinue the pursuit.
The following night, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect and after a brief foot pursuit, was apprehended.