The man accused of charging at an officer with a knife after threatening to kill his 3-year-old stepdaughter has been released from the hospital and is now in custody at the Santa Cruz County Jail without bail.
Joshua Gonzalez, 25, faces murder charges for the death of 25-year-old Lizbeth Arceo Sedano, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.
Gonzalez is also facing multiple charges from the Watsonville Police Department, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, child abuse, and attempting to prevent an officer from performing their duty.
“Our sincerest condolences are with Lizbeth’s family and child as they navigate this tragic time,” the Watsonville Police Department shared in a Facebook post. Gonzalez’s arraignment is expected early next week.
The incident unfolded on August 3, shortly after 9 p.m., when Gonzalez was outside the Watsonville Police Department. He called the dispatch center, stating he was armed with a knife and intended to harm the child.
When an officer arrived on the scene, he ordered Gonzalez to drop the knife. Gonzalez ignored the commands and charged at the officer, who then opened fire. Gonzalez was subsequently taken to an out-of-county trauma center for his injuries.
The Watsonville Police Department has not yet disclosed the identity of the officer involved in the shooting.
Watsonville Police Department Press Release
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: We are deeply saddened to have to report that 25-year-old Lizbeth Arceo Sedano’s body was recovered in the area of Eureka Canyon Road and Grizzly Flat Road. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is now leading this death investigation.
On behalf of the Watsonville Police Department, we want to express our condolences to Lizbeth’s family and friends during this very difficult time.
𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟
Nos entristece profundamente tener que informar que el cuerpo de Lizbeth Arceo Sedano, de 25 años, fue recuperado en el área de Eureka Canyon Road y Grizzly Flat Road. La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Santa Cruz ahora está a cargo de esta investigación de muerte.
En nombre del Departamento de Policía de Watsonville, queremos expresar nuestras condolencias a la familia y amigos de Lizbeth durante este momento tan difícil.
_________________________
We have serious concerns about the well-being of 25-year-old Lizbeth Arceo Sedano and are asking for your help tracking her down.
Her partner, Joshua Gonzalez, is currently in custody after he threatened to harm their three-year-old daughter on Saturday night and attempted to attack one of our Police Officers. At about 9:19 PM, Gonzalez was outside of the Watsonville Police Department when he called our dispatch center, stating he was armed with a knife and was going to hurt the three-year-old child.
The first responding Officer stepped out of his patrol car and ordered Gonzalez to drop the knife. However, Gonzalez ignored his commands and charged at the Officer, who, in return, opened fire. Gonzalez was taken to an out-of-county trauma center, where he is in stable condition. The three-year-old was unharmed and is now under the care of family members.
Our Officers and Lizbeth’s family have been unable to contact her. Her family has stated that it is unusual for Lizbeth not to answer phone calls or text messages. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is asked to call 831-471-1151. No other information is available for release at this time.
𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟
Tenemos serias preocupaciones sobre el bienestar de Lizbeth Arceo Sedano, de 25 años, y estamos pidiendo su ayuda para localizarla.
Su pareja, Joshua González, se encuentra actualmente bajo custodia después de haber amenazado con dañar a su hija de tres años el sábado por la noche e intentando atacar a uno de nuestros Oficiales. Aproximadamente a las 9:19 PM, González estaba afuera del Departamento de Policía de Watsonville cuando llamó a nuestro centro de comunicaciones, indicando que estaba armado con un cuchillo y que iba a lastimar a la niña de tres años.
El primer Oficial que respondió salió de su patrulla y le ordenó a González que soltara el cuchillo. Sin embargo, González ignoró sus órdenes y se lanzó hacia el Oficial, quien, a cambio, abrió fuego. González fue trasladado a un centro de trauma fuera del condado, donde se encuentra en condición estable. La niña de tres años resultó ilesa y ahora está bajo el cuidado de familiares.
Nuestros Oficiales y la familia de Lizbeth no han podido comunicarse con ella. Su familia dice que es inusual que Lizbeth no responda a las llamadas telefónicas ni a los mensajes de texto. Cualquier persona que tenga información sobre su paradero debe llamar al 831-471-1151. No hay más información disponible para su publicación en este momento.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office Press Release Re: Murder suspect arrested
After a thorough investigation by our detectives, 25-year-old Joshua Gonzalez has been arrested for the murder of 25-year-old Lizbeth Arceo Sedano. Gonzalez has been booked into the jail for murder and other charges related to a Watsonville PD case. He is being held at the main jail on no bail.
Our sincerest condolences are with Lizbeth’s family and child as they navigate this tragic time. Gonzalez’s arraignment is expected to be held early next week.
Comunicado de prensa de la Oficina del Sheriff del condado de Santa Cruz Asunto: Sospechoso de asesinato arrestado
Después de una investigación exhaustiva por parte de nuestros detectives, Joshua González, de 25 años, ha sido arrestado por el asesinato de Lizbeth Arceo Sedano, de 25 años. González ha sido ingresado en la cárcel por asesinato y otros cargos relacionados con un caso de la policía de Watsonville. Está detenido en la cárcel principal sin derecho a fianza.
Nuestro más sentido pésame para la familia y el hijo de Lizbeth mientras atraviesan este momento trágico. Se espera que la lectura de cargos contra González se lleve a cabo a principios de la próxima semana.