UPDATE:
Ben Lomond resident Austin Combs was arraigned today, Monday, Aug.7, in Santa Cruz County Superior Court on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, rape, and kidnapping in connection with assaults on several people last October, June and July.
Combs was arrested on Aug. 3 in Boulder Creek, two weeks after he was named as an attempted-murder suspect. He remained in the County Jail on Monday.
A week after allegedly shooting a man in the face with a handgun, Austin Combs, a Ben Lomond resident, was still eluding Santa Cruz Sherriff’s deputies.
Combs, 28, is suspected of shooting a man in the face at 5:45 a.m., Thursday, July 20, at the 8400 block of Hihn Road. He is wanted for attempted murder.
“We are utilizing multiple efforts,” said Sgt. Chris Clark. “The investigation is not over nor is our desire to find him.”
Combs has an arrest record, but Clark did not reveal any details. However, deputies did provide the Press Banner with a booking photo.
The victim, whose name has not been made public, was treated and released from the hospital after suffering non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the face.
Combs fled the crime scene prior to the arrival of deputies, and reportedly has family located in the San Lorenzo Valley, according to Clark.
“We have a motive, but obviously we are hoping to obtain more information,” Clark said. “We implore Mr. Combs to turn himself in.”
Police have not located the weapon used in the suspected shooting, and consider Combs armed and dangerous.
People with information should call 831-471-1121.
