Two 17-year-old youths were arrested Tuesday in connection with a Monday night shooting in a parking lot across from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
The shooting happened about 9:02 p.m. Monday in the parking lot across from the boardwalk.
A small fight broke out between individuals in the parking lot located directly across the street from the park.
During the dispute, a suspect drew a firearm and fired at least five gunshots. None of the bullets struck any individuals or vehicles.
Security personnel ordered a mass evacuation of the Boardwalk, including attractions like Neptune’s Kingdom and the Casino Arcade, while some guests sheltered in place inside nearby businesses.
Stephen, a father visiting Santa Cruz on vacation from Arkansas, said he and his children were on separate sides of the boardwalk when the shots were fired. “My daughter recognized the sounds as gunshots,” Stephen said.
Witnesses inside the park reported hearing three to four loud shots from across the street.
While some guests immediately recognized the sound, many others only realized something was wrong when they saw massive crowds screaming and fleeing in panic.
A Reddit user said that the Boardwalk was evacuated, and that several people began to scatter and scream.
Eyewitness accounts captured by local resident Max Lujan showcased a significant police presence, with at least seven vehicles responding to the scene, particularly concentrated near the entrance of the Boardwalk’s Casino Arcade.
More than 15 police cars were on the scene by 9:45 p.m., and the vehicles slowly began filing out by 10:15 p.m.
Police spokesperson Katherine Lee said: “The scene is secure.”
The Santa Cruz Seaside Company stated “We are still gathering details and working closely with the Santa Cruz Police Department. Per the statement released by SCPD earlier tonight and additional information, local police responded to reports of a small fight and shots fired in the parking lot across the street from the park.”
Hundreds of guests sheltered inside maintenance corridors, back hallways, shops, and the basement of a nearby business.
No one was struck by the gunfire, and zero injuries were reported.
The Santa Cruz Police Department has confirmed that the parking lot has numerous surveillance cameras, and detectives are currently reviewing footage alongside witness statements to identify the shooters.
Two juveniles have been arrested in a non-injury shooting in a parking lot Monday night across from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Two 17-year-old youths have been arrested in connection with a Monday night shooting in a parking lot across from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, police said Tuesday.
The suspects were arrested in Ceres, police said in a news release.
Police have not provided the suspects’ gender or where they live.
Police have not yet provided a motive for the shooting or exactly what led them to the suspects.
Police said the case remains an active and on-going investigation.
The gunfire did cause crowds at the boardwalk to flee to find safe spots.
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department or call a tip line at 831-420-5995.