Two Police Officers, Suspect Killed in Santa Cruz Shooting

Santa Cruz California

Two Santa Cruz police officers were shot and killed on Tuesday while investigating a sexual assault complaint, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The suspect was also shot and killed.

Detective Elizabeth Butler and Sgt. Loren Baker went to the home of the Jeremy Goulet around 3:30 p.m. to follow up on a sexual assault complaint when the shooting broke out. While authorities pursued the gunman, nearby residents received an automated phone call alerting them to stay inside. About a half hour later, police officers caught up with Goulet where they exchanged the gunfire that ultimately led to his death. Santa Cruz County Sheriff Phil Wowak confirmed the deaths of Detective Butler and Sgt. Baker.

“This is a horrific day. We lost two exceptionally fine officers,” Police Chief Kevin Vogel told reporters. “We need to figure out a way to bring our department together and get through this.”

According to the Los Angeles Times, Butler, who is survived by her partner and two young sons, is a 10-year Santa Cruz police department veteran, while Baker, who is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son, had 28 years under his belt.

Santa Cruz, just 60 miles south of San Francisco and known for its famed surf spots and diverse community, has been hit with an ugly steak of violence in recent weeks. A martial arts instructor was recently shot dead outside of a popular downtown restaurant, while a UC Santa Cruz student was shot in the head two days later and another student was reportedly raped in a home invasion.