Watsonville Teen Suspected In Santa Cruz Shooting Arrested

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz police on Tuesday arrested a Watsonville resident who was allegedly involved in a shooting that occurred in Santa Cruz earlier this month, police said. Police arrested Jovanni Fernandez, 18, in connection with a shooting on Jan. 20 in the area of Soquel and South Branciforte avenues, according to police.

Police said that officers located a vehicle at the intersection with three occupants inside. The vehicle was struck twice by the gunfire but none of the occupants were injured. Witnesses in the area reported seeing a white Volkswagen car with multiple occupants fleeing the area on Soquel Avenue, police said.

Police believe that Fernandez may have been one of the occupants in the suspect car. The investigation of the shooting is ongoing with the help of the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force and the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office.

Fernandez was booked into county jail on suspicion of multiple counts of attempted murder along with a gang and firearm enhancement, according to police. If anyone has information regarding the case, they are asked to contact the Santa Cruz police investigation unit at (831) 420-5820.

By Bay City News