SANTA CRUZ — Police are investigating last week’s shooting as collateral damage in a gang-related shootout outside a Westside bar and restaurant.
The Santa Cruz Police Department was called shortly after 8 p.m. Friday to Almar Avenue and Rankin Steet after a nearby officer heard the sounds of gunshots in the area, according to a department media release. Police investigators believe a driver parked in front of the restaurant and a shooter got out, fired multiple shots and then fled the area in the vehicle.
“Through their investigation, they learned that a verbal altercation occurred outside the business between two rival gangs,” the department said of its detectives. “The suspect then shot multiple rounds at the opposing gang; however, two uninvolved and innocent bystanders were struck by the rounds.”
The injured shooting victims were taken for treatment to an out-of-county trauma center, where they remained in recovery Monday, according to the department.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or who has additional information related to the case to call the department via its nonemergency line at 831-471-1131, its tip line at 831-420-5995 or online at santacruzpolice.com.
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