Suspect arrested for looting evacuated home in Santa Cruz Mountains

A man in possession of $15,000 worth of stolen property was busted in Santa Cruz.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, residents of a home in the evacuated area of the Bear Fire came to the shocking realization that their home wasn’t destroyed by fire but instead looted.

Sgt. Chris Clark said the victims home is on the 1900 block of Hidden Springs Lane in Boulder Creek. Around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, the burglar 54-year-old Marlon Coy of Boulder Creek, allegedly entered the home, stole jewelry and a bike.

A few hours later deputies contacted Coy in Santa Cruz. Deputies said the man had the stolen property in his possession.

Coy was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail.

Evacuations are still in place for:

Deer Creek Road, Rons Road, Lost Valley Road, Favre Road, Dons Road and Oak Ridge. Cal Fire said if you feel in danger leave the area if it is safe to do so.

Evacuation centers have been set up at:

Zayante Fire, 7700 East Zayante Rd., Felton
Lakeside Elementary, 19620 Black Rd., Los Gatos

Sgt. Clark said, “anyone who has decided to stay in the evacuation zones, please report anything suspicious.”

The Sheriff’s Office said they have been patrolling the evacuated areas 24/7 and will continue to do so with teams of deputies.