No Charges For 2 Santa Cruz Deputies In Fatal Shooting Of Armed Teen

SANTA CRUZ CO. (CBS SF) -- Two deputies who shot and killed an allegedly armed teen boy in Boulder Creek over the summer will not face charges, Santa Cruz County sheriff's officials said Friday.

Deputy Kyle Matson and Deputy Stephen Ragusano fatally shot 17-year-old Cyrus Hurtado outside a home on the night of July 9, sheriff's Lt. Kelly Kent said.

District Attorney Jeff Rosell told sheriff's officials that the deputies' actions were lawful and they will not be criminally liable for the shooting, according to Kent.

Around 10:30 p.m. on July 9, the deputies responded to a reported family dispute at a home in the 15000 block of Fern Flat Road, where they found Hurtado's grandparents on the driveway, Kent said.

The grandparents reported that Hurtado was by himself in the residence breaking furniture and windows and had access to guns, according to Kent.

The 17-year-old boy allegedly used a club to beat his grandfather, who was injured and treated at the scene, Kent said.

The teen was also suspected of killing a kitten at the residence, according to Kent.

Additional deputies were called to the scene worked to make contact with Hurtado with the help of hostage negotiators, Kent said.

The teen exited the residence with a shotgun and a rifle he aimed at one of the deputies, according to Kent.

The two deputies shot at Hurtado, who was struck three times in his torso and once in a hand, Kent said.

Hurtado was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead roughly six hours later, according to Kent.

Matson and Ragusano were placed on paid administrative leave, which is a standard procedure while an investigation into the shooting took place, Kent said.

Matson has served six years as a deputy sheriff with the county and Ragusano worked two years with the sheriff's office when the shooting occurred, Kent said.

Both deputies have since returned to work, according to Kent.

"It is always a tragic situation when our deputies are forced to fire their service weapons to protect themselves and the community. Our thoughts are with those affected by the incident," Sheriff Jim Hart said in a statement.

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