Deputies cleared in Boulder Creek officer-involved shooting

Two Santa Cruz County deputies who shot and killed a 17-year-old in Boulder Creek last July have been cleared, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department.

District Attorney Jeff Rosell ruled Deputy Kyle Matson and Deputy Stephen Ragusano were within the law and there was no criminal liability.

“It is always a tragic situation when our deputies are forced to fire their service weapons to protect themselves and the community,” Sheriff Jim Hart said. “Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident.”

Back in July of 2015, the two deputies shot and killed Cyrus Hurtado, 17, after they were called to his home. Hurtado had allegedly beat his grandfather and killed a kitten.

According to a friend of the 17-year-old, Hurtado was a special needs kid.

The deputies said they were forced to shoot after Hurtado walked out of the home and pointed a rifle at them.