Watsonville Gang Members Arrested For Allegedly Possessing Loaded Gun

WATSONVILLE, CA — Five people were arrested Sunday night in Watsonville after they were found with a loaded firearm and drug paraphernalia, police said. At 8:31 p.m., officers were checking the area of 100 E. Front St., which is known for gang activity. There, officers located five suspected gang members sitting in a vehicle and acting suspiciously, police said.

As the officers contacted the group, the suspects allegedly tried to hide contraband inside the vehicle.
Police determined that one of the suspects was on probation, so the officers searched the vehicle.

Inside the vehicle officers found marijuana, marijuana paraphernalia, an open container of alcohol and a loaded .40 caliber handgun, police said. The five suspects were identified as 20-year-old Edward Tovar,
23-year-old Salina Sanchez, 18-year-old Mikey Diaz and 25-year-old Jose Ramirez, all of Watsonville, and 26-year-old Ivan Franco of Las Banos.

They were all arrested on suspicion of possessing a loaded firearm and gang enhancements and then booked into the county jail, police said.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Watsonville police at (831) 768-3350 or the Crime Tip Line at (831) 768-3544.

By Bay City News

Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone