SANTA CRUZ, California — Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with a shooting near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk that sent frightened visitors running from the popular California amusement park.

The gunfire was reported at approximately 9:02 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2026, in a parking lot across the street from the Boardwalk. Although the shots were fired outside the amusement park, concerns about a possible active shooter prompted employees and security personnel to evacuate visitors shortly before the park’s scheduled closing time.

No one was struck by gunfire, and authorities reported no injuries from the incident. Police subsequently determined that there was no continuing threat to visitors or the surrounding community.

Shooting Sends Boardwalk Visitors Running

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as rides were stopped and families were instructed to leave the park or shelter inside nearby buildings.

Some visitors reportedly hid in shops, maintenance areas and ride buildings while security personnel worked to move crowds away from the potential danger. Videos posted online showed families running through the amusement park as emergency responders arrived in the area.

Charlotte Mammen, who was visiting the Boardwalk with her family, told CBS News Bay Area that the evacuation was terrifying and that large numbers of people were running. She said her family remained calm and found a place to hide until the immediate danger had passed.

Police officers canvassed the area, searched for suspects, secured the scene and collected evidence. Investigators reportedly determined that the individuals involved had already fled the area.

The Santa Cruz Seaside Company, which operates the Boardwalk, said the incident began with a confrontation in the parking lot across from the amusement park. Authorities have not publicly provided further details about the possible motive or circumstances surrounding that confrontation.

Two 17-Year-Old Suspects Arrested in Ceres

Investigators identified two 17-year-old suspects and traced them to Ceres, a city in Stanislaus County near Modesto. The teenagers were subsequently taken into custody with assistance from the Ceres Police Department.

Their names have not been released because they are minors. Police also have not publicly disclosed the specific charges they may face as the investigation remains active.

As part of the investigation, the Ceres Police Department’s SWAT team served a search warrant at a residence in the 2500 block of Kay Street. After Ceres officers secured the property, investigators from the Santa Cruz Police Department took control of the scene to search for and process additional evidence.

Authorities have not confirmed what evidence was recovered during the search.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Reopens Normally

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk reopened and resumed normal operations on Tuesday, August 4. Operators said the amusement park and the nearby Boardwalk Bowl would continue operating according to schedule for the remainder of the week.

In a statement, the Boardwalk emphasized that no one had been shot, no injuries were reported and the suspects had been arrested. The company also thanked its security officers and local law-enforcement agencies for their rapid response.

“There is no ongoing threat to the public,” the Boardwalk said in its statement.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is one of California’s best-known seaside attractions and draws large crowds during its summer entertainment season. An evening performance program was underway when the shooting occurred.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

Despite the arrests, Santa Cruz police said the case remains under investigation. Officials have not announced whether additional suspects are being sought or whether a firearm connected to the shooting has been recovered.

Anyone with information about the Santa Cruz Boardwalk shooting has been asked to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 831-420-5995.

The arrests brought relief to visitors and local businesses after an incident that briefly raised fears of a mass shooting at one of the region’s busiest tourist destinations. Police maintain that the gunfire happened outside the amusement park and that there is currently no threat to the public.