Three suspects identified in string of Santa Cruz burglaries

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Santa Cruz police announced Thursday that a vehicle theft that occurred on the 300 block of Riverside Avenue on September 28 involving two suspects, Michelle Grieb and Gerardo Menchaca, were identified through surveillance video.

Officers say that the vehicle was stolen from the 1000 block of Ocean Street around 11:15 p.m. that night. The driver, Menchaca, fled from officers and headed northbound on Ocean Street before continuing northbound on Highway 17, according to police.

Police say that the pursuit continued until the vehicle got in a traffic collision near Granite Creek Road and Highway 17. After Menchaca abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, according to police, he was apprehended by police.

The other suspect, Grieb, was injured in the accident and was not able to escape police, said officials. Grieb was taken into custody and treated at a hospital in Santa Clara County, according to police.

Police also added that it was discovered that Grief, Mechaca and a third male suspect have been linked to a series of commercial burglaries in Santa Cruz the took place between September 12 and 27.

Detectives say that they are expecting more charges against the suspects and have already booked Menchaca with vehicle theft, evading law enforcement, hit and run (resulting in an injury), violation of parole, two counts of burglary, possession of stolen property and false checks.

According to police, the third suspect has been identified and is currently in custody in another county on unrelated charges although there's a warrant pending related to the burglaries.