Santa Cruz Police investigating shooting that left one in critical condition

SANTA CRUZ, CALIF. (KION-TV)- Santa Cruz Police is investigating a shooting that left one person in critical condition Tuesday night.

According to officials around 7:30 p.m., police responded to a report of a shooting along the West Levee near Front Street. Upon arriving to the scene, officers found one victim that had been shot. The victim received treatment at the scene from both fire and AMR paramedics before being taken to a trauma center. The victim is currently in critical condition.

Investigators were called in to begin immediate follow-up. During their investigation, they learned that some type of altercation happened on the levee between the victim and the suspect before the shooting. The suspect, still unknown at this time, shot the victim and fled on foot.

Officials say the investigation is still ongoing, but a motive for the shooting is possibly gang related. Anyone that may have witnessed the shooting is encouraged to contact Santa Cruz Police.