A chaotic scene unfolded at a popular California beach on Monday evening after gunfire erupted near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Police responded to reports of shots fired in a parking lot near the boardwalk at around 9 p.m., prompting the evacuation of the nearby amusement park.
Witnesses reported hearing at least five gunshots as visitors fled the area.
Beach Shooting Sparks Panic at Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Videos shared on social media captured crowds running from the scene as panic spread across the boardwalk.
Visitors inside the amusement park sought shelter in arcade basements and nearby businesses while police rushed to the area.
"No one was struck by gunfire, there were no reported injuries, and there is no active threat to the public. The scene is secure," Santa Cruz Police said after the shooting.
Authorities dispatched more than 15 patrol vehicles to the scene and quickly launched an investigation.
Witnesses described seeing people sprinting toward the boardwalk exits while heavily armed officers ran in the opposite direction toward the source of the gunfire.
"I was really scared. We didn't know if it was a mass shooting or personal type beef between a few people. We treated it as the most dangerous situation possible so that we could stay safe," visitor Bahar Jazani said.
Two Teens Arrested Following Shooting
Police have since arrested two 17-year-old suspects in the city of Ceres in connection with the shooting.
Investigators traced vehicles linked to the suspects to a residence within the city's jurisdiction.
The Santa Cruz Seaside Company, which operates the boardwalk, also released a statement following the incident.
"We are still gathering details and working closely with the Santa Cruz Police Department," the company said.
"Per the statement released by SCPD earlier tonight and additional information, local police responded to reports of a small fight and shots fired in the parking lot across the street from the park."
"No one was struck, there were no reported injuries, and there is no active threat to the public. The scene is secure. The investigation remains active."
Police reiterated that the shooting posed no ongoing threat to the public after officers secured the scene.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk has since reopened and resumed normal operations.
