Capitola Police Department

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 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

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!

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 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.