Police: Man accidentally shoots himself in Santa Cruz
UPDATE: 3/27/2019 12:27 p.m. Santa Cruz police are investigating a late night shooting near the boardwalk at Beach and Park Place.
Police Sgt. Scott Garner told KION that Carlos Gascali-Zarraga, 21, was shot in the leg and that he had been ” medically cleared. ”
Officers detained several people for interviews as part of the investigation and received conflicting reports as to what happened Tuesday night.
After gathering evidence police believe Gascali-Zarraga accidently shot himself. Investigators said security cameras in the area, captured Gascali-Zarraga shooting a pistol.
Alekz Londos is a Santa Cruz resident who says he heard ” multiple gunshots ” while walking on Beach Street Tuesday night.
” It’s upsetting, ” Londos says. ” I’ve lived in this community for over 30 years and you never want to see something like this. ”
Londos says this area is no stranger to crime and says it’s especially disappointing considering the Boardwalk is right across the street from where the shooting happened.
” I don’t necessarily feel this is the safest area of Santa Cruz or Santa Cruz County, ” Londos says.
Izaiah Arostigu-Hernandez, 21, was detained by officers in the area.
“During the investigation Arostigui-Hernandez became uncooperative and had to be detained in handcuffs,” said Lt. Warren Barry.
Lt. Barry said a struggle ensued when officers tried to detain Arostigu-Hernandez. A security guard assisted an officer, both fell to the ground. The security guard who fell on Arostigu-Hernandez was injured by a knife.
“Unbeknownst to the officers Arostigui-Hernandez had a pocket knife in his pants pocket with the blade open and locked in place,” said Lt. Barry.
The guard suffered a cut to his leg.
Left: Arostigui-Hernandez, Right: Gascali-Zarraga
Gascali-Zarraga was arrested for discharging a firearm in a negligent manner and carrying a concealed weapon.
Arostigui-Hernandez was arrested for False Identification to a Peace Officer and Possession of a concealed dirk/dagger.
