Two people hurt after gang-related crimes in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz police are investigating two suspected gang-related crimes that happened just minutes apart, Friday evening.

Investigators responded to the first incident around 11:45 p.m. in the area of Pacific Avenue and Center Street.

According to police, a 19-year-old man from Watsonville was stabbed several times in his face and torso area.

Police said a Good Samaritan in the area began to drive the victim to the hospital but as his condition worsened he pulled over and called 911.

The victim was taken to a Bay area trauma center and is still undergoing treatment.

Detectives are looking for surveillance footage and other evidence to follow up on a possible gang tie.

Minutes later, at 12:08 a.m., Santa Cruz police responded to a report of shots fired near Cedar Street and Cathcart Street.

There authorities found a 27-year-old man, also from Watsonville, suffering from gunshot wounds to his hand and lower back.

Investigators believe the victim was chased by two suspects while being shot at. Nobody else was hurt, but one downtown building was hit several times. Police said they found multiple casings and bullet fragments in the downtown parking lot.

This case is also believed to be gang-related.

The suspects and firearms in both incidents are still outstanding.