A quiet California beach community, widely known for some of the steepest rents in the country, was jolted Monday night when gunfire near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sent families scrambling to safety.
Santa Cruz police said shots rang out around 9 p.m. in a parking lot near the famed seaside amusement park, prompting evacuations from the Boardwalk. Initial reports indicated that at least five shots may have been fired.
Videos posted on social media showed frightened visitors screaming and rushing away from rides, with some people taking cover in arcade basements and nearby businesses as the scene unfolded.
“No one was struck by gunfire, there were no reported injuries, and there is no active threat to the public. The scene is secure,” Santa Cruz Police said in an update issued after 10 p.m.
More than 15 police vehicles responded to the area, and authorities said the investigation is ongoing. Police later announced that two 17-year-old teenagers were arrested in the city of Ceres.
The Santa Cruz Seaside Company, which operates the Boardwalk, told KSBW in a statement that the incident appeared to have begun with a “small fight.”
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“We are still gathering details and working closely with the Santa Cruz Police Department,” the company said. “Local police responded to reports of a small fight and shots fired in the parking lot across the street from the park.”
Footage shared online appeared to show crowds running toward the Boardwalk exits as armed officers moved in the opposite direction. With children among the visitors trying to flee, the evacuation quickly became even more frantic.
“Don’t go back there!” one mother can be heard yelling.
Santa Cruz residents on social media recounted hearing the gunshots and immediately hiding and sheltering in place at the closest structure or building. Much of the chaos emanated from the Pirate Ship ride’s side of the park, near the Casino Arcade.
“Saddest sight was parents and kids sheltering in place at the little helicopter ride, and people running and crying,” one user said. “Not my first active shooter situation and probably won’t be my last.”
“A lot of us were confused and it wasn’t until even more people were screaming and running that everyone just started sprinting,” another said.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit at 831-420-5995.
