UPDATE: UCSC police indentify suspicious person who led officers on chase
UPDATED 10/30/2019 11:01 p.m. The UC Santa Cruz Police Department says they have identified the person they say led officers on a chase and got away.
They say information and tips from the community led to the identifiaction.
The UCSC police department says the investigation is on-going and encourage anyone with any information to call 831-459-2231 ext. 1.
PREVIOUS STORY: The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is looking for a suspicious person who they say led officers on a chase and got away.
The person was first seen around 11:25 p.m. on Monday. Police said a man in a truck asked a female student if she needed a ride on Hagar Drive near Steinhart Way. She flagged down the police department’s student ambassadors and reported it.
Police started looking for the man and the truck and found the truck going south on Coolidge Drive. Officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, but said the driver led them on a chase around campus, the upper west side of Santa Cruz and Highway 1 toward Davenport. Eventually, officers had to stop following the truck for safety reasons.
Police said the man is described as being in his 30’s or 40’s wearing a hat and orange shirt was driving a white Ford pickup with CA license 8W91611.
Anyone with information about the person is asked to call UC Santa Cruz police at 831-459-2231 ext. 1. Officers said they have heard reports of a possible fourth-year Merrill College student named “Jay” who may be able to identify the driver.
Police issued some safety tips that include:
Calling 911 if you feel you or others are in danger. Reporting all crimes or suspicious people/activities to police. Locking doors and windows. Being aware of your surroundings. Trusting your instincts if something makes you uneasy. Travel in pairs at night or in remote areas. The Night Safety Escort Program is also available Monday to Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. by calling 831-459-2231 ext. 1.
Counseling and victim advocates are also available to students through the Cowell Student Health Center. Employees can get counseling and support through the Employee Assistance Program.
