Man caught with stolen property and hatchet in Santa Cruz County

A man caught with stolen property and a hatchet was arrested in Soquel thanks to a tip from a community member.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said someone on a jog near the Anna Jean Cummings Park noticed a suspicious man in the area Wednesday and called the Sheriff’s Office. A deputy then found the suspect, Nicholas Kremkau, riding his bike in the area.

Kremkau had a warrant and was taken into custody. The Sheriff’s Office said deputies found a hatchet hidden in his waistband along with drug-related items and a Costco card with the name Kim on it.

Deputies were later able to find Kim and discovered her purse was stolen about a week ago in Santa Cruz.

The Sheriff’s Office was able to return the stolen property thanks to the help of the community member who reported Kremkau.