Capitola Police Department

Capitola Police Department Official page for Capitola PD. Prior to posting ensure you read & follow the site rules. Proudly serving Capitola, CA. Comments not monitored.

Email [email protected]. For City communication, email [email protected]. Capitola is an intimate beach village tucked in a river valley in Santa Cruz County on the Monterey Bay. Located an hour away from San Jose and an hour and a half from San Francisco, Capitola enjoys a lively population full of tradition and an interesting history. With a population of approx 10,000 re

sidents, the population steeply rises between the months of April through September to approx 40,000-60,000. Prior to posting to this site ensure you read and follow the Terms of Use Agreement under General Information

🎉 🎉Please join us in celebrating Detective Albert Gonzalez on his recent graduation from Leadership Santa Cruz County! 🎓...
06/19/2026

🎉 🎉Please join us in celebrating Detective Albert Gonzalez on his recent graduation from Leadership Santa Cruz County! 🎓

Detective Gonzalez consistently brings an outstanding work ethic, dedication, and integrity to our Criminal Investigations Unit and the entire Capitola community. We are incredibly proud to see him take this next step in honing his leadership skills to better serve our residents.

This community-focused program brings together local leaders from diverse sectors to dive deep into the county's unique challenges, resources, and systems. By exploring everything from public safety to local government and history, it equips participants with the insights and connections needed to drive positive change right here in our community.
Thank you, Detective Gonzalez, for your continuous hard work, commitment to growth, and excellent service to Capitola. Cheers to your graduation! 👏🚓

Fairly recently, Officer Ferro was on patrol on Capitola Avenue when he observed two suspicious subjects loitering in a ...
06/17/2026

Fairly recently, Officer Ferro was on patrol on Capitola Avenue when he observed two suspicious subjects loitering in a parking lot of a closed business. On contact, Officer Ferro immediately spotted a loaded handgun bulging from a 19-year-old male’s jacket. The suspect was quickly arrested on numerous felony weapons charges and child endangerment. When a cover unit arrived, officers arrested an accompanying female juvenile for public intoxication and resisting arrest. A search of her bag revealed numerous Xanax pills without a prescription, and a baggie with co***ne residue.

This case highlights the split-second dangers our officers face when confronted with armed, uncooperative suspects. Effective police work often requires thorough follow-up, which led detectives and the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) to later execute a search warrant and recover a second firearm from the same suspect. Outstanding work by our night shift officers to proactively and safely take this unserialized firearm off the street.

Capitola Police Seeking Information Regarding Beach InvestigationOn June 6, 2026, officers with the Capitola Police Depa...
06/15/2026

Capitola Police Seeking Information Regarding Beach Investigation

On June 6, 2026, officers with the Capitola Police Department arrested Derek Martin Johnson, 63, of Soquel, following an investigation at the Capitola Beach for violations of California Penal Code section 311.11(a), related to obscene matter involving minors.

Officers responded to Capitola Main Beach after receiving a report from a concerned citizen who stated they were concerned because a male subject appeared to be taking photographs of juveniles in a public area. While photography in a public place is not unlawful, the conduct was reported as involving children and was subsequently investigated.

During the investigation, officers conducted interviews and obtained digital evidence related to the reported conduct. Based on the investigation, Johnson was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for violations of California Penal Code 311.11(a).

This investigation remains active, and the arrest is not evidence of guilt.
Parents or guardians who believe their child may have been photographed, or anyone who may have observed the subject taking photographs of children at Capitola Main Beach on June 6, 2026, are encouraged to contact the Capitola Police Department's Criminal Investigations Unit at (831) 475-4242. Authorized by: Captain Leo Moreno #501

06/15/2026

Another successful Capitola Car Show in the books! Thank you to all the participants, event staff, and CPD personnel who made the car show a blast!

The fog did not deter folks, and whether it was watching the cruise, checking out some classic cars, or joining in the raffle, the community turned out to support!

The Capitola Car Show is coming to town this Saturday, June 13! To accommodate the event, several temporary road closure...
06/10/2026

The Capitola Car Show is coming to town this Saturday, June 13! To accommodate the event, several temporary road closures and traffic control measures will be in place throughout the Capitola Village area.

Please plan ahead and expect delays, detours, and restricted access in the following locations:

Road Closures
• Park Avenue at Monterey Avenue
• Monterey Avenue at Capitola Avenue
• El Camino Medio at Swenson Parking Lot
• Capitola Avenue at Stockton Avenue
• San Jose Avenue at Capitola Avenue (southbound)
• Capitola Avenue at Stockton Avenue
• Esplanade at Stockton Avenue

Detours & Traffic Restrictions
• Detour and Road Closed signage at Fanmar Way and Monterey Avenue and Monterey Avenue at Park Place
• Right Turn Only at Park Avenue and Monterey Avenue
• Left Turn Only at Fanmar Way and Monterey Avenue
• No Thru Traffic at El Camino Medio and Monterey Avenue
• No Left Turn at Stockton Avenue and Esplanade

Additional cones, delineators, bollards, and barricades will be in place throughout the event area to help direct traffic and ensure pedestrian safety.

See you at the Capitola Car Show!

👣🌲While recently conducting a foot patrol in a closed area off Wharf Road, our newest officer in training put his skills...
06/10/2026

👣🌲While recently conducting a foot patrol in a closed area off Wharf Road, our newest officer in training put his skills to work.

The officer contacted an individual on probation who had previously been admonished for illegally camping and littering near the Soquel Creek, and refuses services. A probation search revealed several grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and booked on charges of trespassing, possession with priors, and his probation was revoked. After booking the suspect into Jail, our officer made sure to coordinate a cleanup with Public Works! 🤝🚔

The Capitola Police Department remains committed to protecting our vital waterways, preserving our environment, and keeping our neighborhoods safe! 🌲🏘️

Mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show is coming up on Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 ...
06/07/2026

Mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Capitola Rod & Custom Classic Car Show is coming up on Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM!

Come enjoy a spectacular display of classic cars, hot rods, custom builds, and vintage favorites in beautiful Capitola. Bring the whole family for a day of chrome, horsepower, great food, and fun by the beach.

📅 June 13
🕘 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Capitola Village

Don’t miss one of the area’s favorite automotive events. Hope to see you there!

06/05/2026

The Capitola Police Department is looking for community members interested in serving on the Chief's Advisory Committee. Our first CAC was established in 2023, the committee provides an opportunity for residents, business owners, and community stakeholders to share perspectives, strengthen communication, and help shape collaborative public safety efforts in Capitola.

Community members from Capitola or the broader Santa Cruz County area, interested can submit a letter of interest and fill out an application through our City of Capitola website at www.cityofcapitola.gov. We will continue to accept applications for this 2 year term, until June 30th.

If you are passionate about our community and interested in constructive dialogue and civic engagement, we encourage you to apply and become part of this important community partnership.

A multi-agency investigation led by the Capitola Police Department and partner agencies resulted in multiple arrests and...
05/28/2026

A multi-agency investigation led by the Capitola Police Department and partner agencies resulted in multiple arrests and seizure of controlled substances, currency, and evidence related to suspected narcotics trafficking.

On April 29, 2026, Capitola Police responded to a shipping company in the City of Capitola regarding a suspicious package believed to contain narcotics. Officers located multiple vacuum-sealed packages inside a shipping box. A test indicated a controlled substance consistent with co***ne, with over five kilograms recovered. Additionally, detectives and SCCACT agents seized multiple packages from a Santa Cruz shipping company containing over 10 pounds of ma*****na linked to the investigation.

A follow-up investigation conducted with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT), developed additional information indicating suspected narcotics activity involving the transportation of controlled substances out of state. Continued multi-agency efforts led to the identification of additional individuals allegedly connected to the distribution activity.

On May 22, 2026, Detectives executed multiple search warrants in Capitola, Aptos, and Live Oak with assistance from SCCACT, CHP, Scotts Valley Police, Santa Cruz Police, Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office, SCARE, DEA, FBI, and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team.

During these operations, Capitola Detectives and SCCACT agents seized suspected M**A (Ecstasy), suspected co***ne, ma*****na, packaging materials, vacuum seal bags, plastic baggies, a money counter, U.S. currency, and electronic devices associated with narcotics distribution.

As a result of the investigation, William Regallo, age 50, of Live Oak, and his mother, Karen Hasty, age 72, of Live Oak, were arrested on active warrants related to alleged narcotics offenses and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. Robert Donaldson, age 57, of Aptos, was also arrested in connection with narcotics offenses related to this case.

All suspects were booked into Jail on charges related to sales and transportation of controlled substances. The investigation remains active.

On May 20, 2026, at approximately 1449 hours, Capitola Police Department officers arrested a Salinas man following a rep...
05/27/2026

On May 20, 2026, at approximately 1449 hours, Capitola Police Department officers arrested a Salinas man following a reported firearm brandishing incident at a bank in the 1700 block of 41st Avenue. Nobody was injured during the incident.

Maximuss Villalobos, age 25, was taken into custody after officers and Capitola Detectives coordinated a follow-up investigation and located the suspect in the 2700 block of 41st Avenue. After a perimeter was established, officers located and detained Villalobos inside a nearby business without incident.

Villalobos was arrested on multiple charges, including carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, criminal threats, and assault with a deadly weapon. A firearm was recovered during the investigation. The incident is believed to be isolated and stemmed from a traffic-related dispute. Villalobos was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on related charges.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Capitola Police Department Detectives at 831-475-4242.

Address

422 Capitola Avenue
Capitola, CA
95010

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18314754242

Website

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