Violent Weekend Near Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Two violent incidents within 24 hours near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, last weekend.

The victim of Sunday night’s shooting has been identified as 19-year old Isaac Lopez. Lopez was in a van with three other people, and was shot once in the torso.

“After the shooting, they immediately called 911,” Santa Cruz Deputy Chief of Police, Dan Flippo, said.

All four people involved are Vacaville residents. 18-year-old Javier Calvo was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Santa Cruz Police say Calvo and Lopez knew each other and were with friends. KION asked if the shooting was accidental. Investigators tell us they are not ready to make that determination “Everything was contained inside the vehicle. All four people were inside the vehicle including the victim,” Flippo said.

Lopez was found on scene unresponsive. He was transported to Domincan Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On Saturday at around 10 p.m., a 17-year old male, from outside Watsonville, was stabbed multiple times by Beach Street and Leibrandt Avenue, just outside of the boardwalk, and was transported to a San Jose trauma center.

Police investigation determined the victim crossed the road after an exchange of words between he and four others. During the fight, the victim was stabbed. One adult and three juveniles are charged with attempted murder, including 18-year-old Oscar Lopez Ramirez.

The victim has been released from the hospital.

KION spoke with boardwalk spokesperson Kris Reyes. Their security was the first on the scene both Saturday and Sunday night. Reyes says this was a rare weekend for an otherwise safe place. “Over 80 percent of our guests are return guests, so they know how safe the area feels.”

Reyes says they are increasing security, but that is just for their normal summer schedule, when they employ about 65 officers. As for additional measures, like metal detectors, that is not in the plans.

“We have over 20 entrances into the park. It would be very difficult to provide metal detectors and things you would see at tradition single gate amusement parks,” Reyes said.