A MAN WAS ARRESTED IN SANTA CRUZ FRIDAY, AFTER HE WAS SEEN STEALING A LARGE FLORAL ARRANGEMENT FROM THE MEMORIAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF DOYLE STREET AND NORTH BRANCIFORTE AVENUE. THE WITNESS NOT ONLY CALLED POLICE, BUT FOLLOWED THE TAXI THAT KENNETH MAFFEI GOT INTO AT THE SCENE. WHEN SANTA CRUZ POLICE OFFICERS STOPPED THE CAB, MAFFEI TOLD THEM HE HAD PURCHASED THE FLOWERS, BUT COULDN’T SAY WHERE, OR PRODUCE A RECEIPT FOR THAT PURCHASE.
MAFFEI WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO SANTA CRUZ COUNTY JAIL.
THE FLOWERS WERE RETURNED TO THE MEMORIAL (THAT HONORS SERGEANT BUTCH BAKER AND DETECTIVE ELIZABETH BUTLER, WHO WERE SHOT AND KILLED IN THE LINE OF DUTY LAST TUESDAY).
