Santa Cruz community raises funds for family of fallen Sergeant

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION)

The Peace Officers Research Association of California is holding a fundraiser for the family of Sergeant Damon Gutzwiller, who died during an ambush, Saturday afternoon.

Santa Cruz County deputies responded to a call about a suspicious van off the road when they were met with gunfire and explosive devices.

Gutzwiller was fatally shot.

He had been with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department since 2006.

The Sergeant in survived by his child and wife, who is three weeks away from giving birth to their second child.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to Gutzwiller's family.

So far, the PORAC has raised more than $148,000 of the $150,000 goal.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is releasing more information on the investigation at a news conference today.

To donate, visit porac.org