Two Arrested With Loaded Firearms During Traffic Stop

WATSONVILLE-Two men allegedly found with a total of nearly 20 firearms believed to be stolen were arrested Monday in Watsonville, police said Tuesday.

Bud Kirkpatrick, 60, and Terrance Alexander, 39, were both arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property, possession of a concealed firearm and possession of a concealed stolen firearm, police said.

On Monday around 7:45 p.m., a patrol officer stopped a gold Chrysler minivan for vehicle code violations in the area of Pennsylvania and Hammer drives near Starlight Elementary School, police Sgt. David Rodriguez said.

The officer spoke with the driver, later identified as 60-year-old Kirkpatrick, and noticed a firearm behind the suspect’s seat, Rodriguez said. Additional officers were called to conduct a high-risk stop at the scene where they detained Kirkpatrick without incident, according to Rodriguez.

Police searched the vehicle where they found 15 guns, some that were loaded, and ammunition, the sergeant said.

Officers also searched Kirkpatrick’s home where they found three more handguns, according to Rodriguez.

Most of the guns were registered under the name of a Watsonville resident whose home was burglarized on New Year’s Eve, Rodriguez said. Investigators suspect all the firearms were taken from the same home, the sergeant said.

The police investigation led officers to Alexander, who was linked with the guns and burglary, Rodriguez said.

Officers went to Alexander’s home where they surveilled him and chased him when he ran away, but they were able to stop him by deploying a Taser after he failed to follow their orders, Rodriguez said.

Police recovered ammunition and a handgun, which investigators suspect was taken from the same burglary, according to Rodriguez.

Alexander was also arrested for allegedly resisting arrest and violating terms of his post-release community supervision, police said.

Kirkpatrick was additionally arrested on suspicion of possessing drug paraphernalia, according to police. Both men were booked into Santa Cruz County Jail, according to police.

There have been 21 firearms seized by police so far this year, 19 of which were found during Monday’s investigation, police said.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call the Watsonville police crime tip line at (831) 728-3544 or investigation bureau at (831) 768-3352.

(images via Watsonville Police Department)