Full Breakdown
Santa Cruz July 13 Shooting Leads to Three Arrests
8/4/2026, 12:26:05 PM
Core Event: Shooting in the Circles Neighborhood and Subsequent Arrests
On July 13, 2026 at approximately 8:07 p.m., gunfire was reported in the 500 block of Errett Circle in Santa Cruz’s Circles neighborhood. Police arrived, secured the scene and collected evidence; no injuries were reported. Investigators later linked the incident to three individuals and, after serving search warrants in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, announced arrests on a Friday following the shooting.
Background & Context
Law-enforcement officials indicated that the shooting may have been gang-related, based on evidence and witness accounts gathered at the scene. The investigation remains active, and the department continues to solicit information from the public.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jose Ernesto Puga Banuelos – arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
- Guadalupe Manuel Figueroa Escoto – arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle.
- Anthony Jose Sanchez-Escobar – arrested on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in public.
- Bernie Escalante – Santa Cruz Police Chief, who provided details about the suspect’s actions during the shooting.
Timeline
- July 13, 2026 – Gunfire reported at 8:07 p.m.; officers respond to Errett Circle.
- Night of July 13 – Detectives serve search warrants in Santa Cruz and Watsonville as part of the investigation.
- Friday (date not specified) – Police publicly announce the three arrests and outline the charges.
Data & Statistics
- Arrests: 3 individuals.
- Charges:
- Attempted murder (2 suspects).
- Assault with a firearm (2 suspects).
- Discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle (2 suspects).
- Conspiracy to commit a crime (1 suspect).
- Carrying a loaded firearm in public (1 suspect).
- Injuries: None reported.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Escalante told reporters that, according to evidence and witness reports, an armed suspect approached a victim’s vehicle and fired from outside the vehicle before fleeing the scene. He emphasized that detectives worked through the night to collect evidence and that the investigation remains ongoing. The Santa Cruz Police Department has asked anyone with information to call its tip line at 831-420-5995 or submit an anonymous tip online.
What’s Next
The police investigation continues, with detectives reviewing evidence gathered from the search warrants and the shooting scene. Community members are encouraged to provide any leads through the department’s tip line as the case proceeds.
