The scene of the shooting on Jan. 13.
(Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz)
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Santa Cruz County sheriff seeks public’s help in finding suspect in January shooting on Soquel near Winkle

Detectives are searching for 29-year-old Patrick Diaz, saying he played a role in the shooting in the 2500 block of Soquel Drive. He is one of three suspects in the case.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding a suspect who allegedly was involved in a Jan. 13 shooting near Dominican Hospital.

Detectives are searching for 29-year-old Patrick Diaz, saying he played a role in the shooting in the 2500 block of Soquel Drive, near the corner of Soquel and Winkle Avenue. The sheriff’s office has obtained a warrant for Diaz’s arrest, authorities said in a news release Wednesday.

Detectives have already arrested another suspect in the case with the help of the Watsonville Police Department. Detectives recently developed information that led them to a third suspect who is in law enforcement custody for other matters.

Patrick Diaz
(Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office)

The shooting occurred around 7 p.m., prompting a massive search by sheriff’s deputies that included the use of a police helicopter. The victim, a 42-year-old man, was shot in the abdomen and is expected to survive.

Anyone with information regarding the shooting or on the whereabouts of Diaz is urged to call (831) 471-1121 and reference case #2100345, police said.