3 Suspected Gang Members Arrested In Santa Cruz Sunday

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Police in Santa Cruz arrested three suspected gang members Sunday after one of them was seen brandishing a gun. On Sunday morning during the annual Wharf To Wharf Race, an officer was flagged down by a citizen who said they saw a person brandish a gun near the Beach Flats area. They also said the suspect was driving a green Chevy Tahoe, police said.

Several officers responded to the scene and quickly located and pulled over the Tahoe on Chestnut Street, police said. Three alleged gang members were removed from the vehicle. They were identified as 28-year-old Arthur Torres of Watsonville, 26-year-old Jose Chavez of Santa Cruz and 25-year-old Ricardo De La Cruz of Capitola.

Inside the car, officers found a Ruger P90 .45-caliber pistol tucked between the driver's seat and the center console, a spent .45-caliber casing and an open container of beer, police said. Torres was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

All three suspects were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in a criminal street gang and carrying a concealed weapon, police said.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity is encouraged to contact Santa Cruz police by calling 911 or the Anonymous Tip Line at (831) 420-5995.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Santa Cruz Police Department