The location where the dispute occurred. Photo: Screenshot//Sean Dougherty
A surfer was arrested in Santa Cruz, California on April 27 following a dispute at the Hook. The surfer, identified as 58-year-old Shannon Stanger, was arrested on suspicion for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly stabbing a victim with a kubotan (a small, rod-like self-defense keychain weapon).
Stanger was booked and later released on a bond of $30,000.
According to the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the scene of a stabbing just before 10 a.m. on the 27th.
“After numerous interviews (the deputies) determined two males approached another male regarding surf etiquette and after a brief verbal confrontation, the suspect struck the victim with an object,” said a Santa Cruz Sheriff spokesperson. “The object was found to be a kubotan.”
Stanger was reportedly one of the two individuals that approached the single male regarding etiquette. Following the alleged incident, Stanger was quickly located on Larch Lane, adjacent to the Hook, where he was arrested.
The Sheriff spokesperson said the victim, who has not been named, did not immediately go to the hospital, but later sought medical attention. His current condition is unknown.
Stanger was also arrested in 1993 for suspected kidnapping of his girlfriend.
The Hook is a heavily trafficked, right-hand reef break in the Pleasure Point neighborhood of Santa Cruz.
