Three People Reported Shot In Santa Cruz

At least three people have been reported shot in Santa Cruz, California today.

Two separate shootings took place in Santa Cruz within a half hour of each other this afternoon. Police are currently on a citywide manhunt for suspects involved in the shooting.

Of the three people shot, the Santa Cruz Sentinel reports that two are possibly police officers. Law enforcement from local cities including Watsonville and Capitola have joined the search, along with the FBI.

While police were investigating the first shooting scene on the 800 block of North Branciforte Avenue, a gunfight broke out at the 100 block of Doyle Street. Officers were chasing a suspect when shots were fired.

The second shooting took place just outside Whole Foods. Capitola resident Megan Kausch was organizing her purse when police ran past. She heard gunfire and ducked behind her car. She describes the event:

“I’ve never been so close to a real shooting. It was so loud, so many bullets back and forth.”

She believes the suspect was shot dead.

Not much else is known about the shootings or the three reported shot. Police have issued details of what they believe one of the suspects look like, and what vehicle he was driving. A white Toyota Corolla or Honda was seen leaving scene of the first shooting. The driver was described as a tall male in his mid-twenties with blondish hair, a backpack, gray baseball cap and white T-shirt.

A second suspect was seen carrying two handguns and jumping fences to flee the scene.

It is extremely sad that three people have been reported shot in Santa Cruz this afternoon. My heart goes out to them and their families and I sincerely hope for the best.

[image via ShutterStock]