3 arrested in Santa Cruz shooting; 2 face attempted murder
Three people have been arrested in connection with a July 13 Santa Cruz shooting in the Circles neighborhood, police said. Two suspects were booked on suspicion of attempted murder after gunfire at Errett Circle left no injuries. Investigators believe the incident may be gang-related, and the probe remains active.
Key Takeaways
- Jose Ernesto Puga Banuelos and Guadalupe Manuel Figueroa Escoto were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and related firearm offenses.
- Anthony Jose Sanchez-Escobar was booked on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in public.
- The July 13 shooting occurred around 8:07 p.m. in the 500 block of Errett Circle; no injuries were reported.
- Detectives served search warrants in Santa Cruz and Watsonville while the investigation continues.
- Police ask anyone with information to call the Santa Cruz tip line at (831) 420-5995.
What happened in the Santa Cruz shooting?
On July 13, 2026, Santa Cruz police responded to reports of gunfire at about 8:07 p.m. in the 500 block of Errett Circle, part of the Circles neighborhood. Officers found evidence of a shooting, but no injuries were reported at the scene.
Santa Cruz police Chief Bernie Escalante told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that evidence and witness reports indicated an armed suspect walked up to a victim's vehicle and shot at the victim from outside the car. By the time officers arrived, any suspects had already fled. Detectives worked through the night collecting evidence, Escalante said.
Local investigators have said they believe the Santa Cruz shooting may be gang-related. One outlet later noted it was unclear whether that theory still held as the case developed.
Who was arrested and what are the allegations?
The Santa Cruz Police Department said detectives served search warrants in Santa Cruz and Watsonville as part of the ongoing probe. Three people were arrested in connection with the July 13 incident, according to NBC Bay Area and other local reports.
Jose Ernesto Puga Banuelos was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle, and conspiracy.
Guadalupe Manuel Figueroa Escoto was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on those suspicions, police said.
Anthony Jose Sanchez-Escobar was arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in public. Together, the bookings mean two of the three face attempted-murder allegations tied to the Errett Circle gunfire.
Is the Santa Cruz shooting investigation still open?
Yes. Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through the department tip line at (831) 420-5995.
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