Hit-and-run suspect involved in Santa Cruz standoff

Santa Cruz Police deployed their armored vehicle over the weekend after a hit-and-run suspect told officers he was going into his home to retrieve a gun.

The suspect, was identified as 35-year-old Santa Cruz resident, Austin Douglas Clary.

According to CHP, Clary was in a lifted Ford pickup truck when he left the scene of a hit-and-run on Capitola Road Saturday night. Officers found Clary parked in his driveway near Capitola Road and 7th Avenue.

“During the contact, Clary told officers he was going to retrieve a gun from inside his home and then he would talk to them at which point he fled into his home and prevented entry,” said CHP Santa Cruz.

CHP, and Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene and secured the roads for public safety. CHP air support was requested.

After an hour Clary stepped outside his home, throwing his arms up in the air screaming at law enforcement officers near his property.

“Clary resisted commands and a Sheriff K-9 was deployed. The K-9 was assaulted by Clary. Clary also fought off several E.C.D. deployments and fled back inside his home at which time CHP officers arrested him as he fled inside,” said CHP.

Clary was found in possession of two rifles, and a shotgun.

Clary was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on numerous charges related to DUI, Hit-&-Run, Battery against a peace officer and criminal threats.