Police: Santa Cruz man accused of attacking woman who saw him injecting drugs

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) A man is facing charges that include assault with a deadly weapon and terrorist threats after police said he attacked a woman who saw him injecting drugs.

The incident happened Wednesday in the 800 block of River Street. Police said a woman was washing her vehicle and saw two people injecting drugs.

After seeing the two, police said she and the two people exchanged words, and one of them threatened to stab her with his hypodermic needle.

Investigators said the suspect then attacked the woman, hitting her several times with his hands and feet. They said she fought back to try to defend herself and was able to eventually get back to her yard.

Santa Cruz police shared surveillance video of the incident.

The suspect left the area, but the victim was left with serious head and face injuries and was treated at an emergency room, according to Santa Cruz police.

Officers were able to identify and arrest the suspect, 25-year-old Santa Cruz County resident Esteban Sanchez.

Sanchez is on probation in Santa Cruz County. He was booked into the county jail on charges that include assault with a deadly weapon, felony battery, terrorist threats and mayhem.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police Investigations Unit at 831-420-5820.