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Crime & Safety

Updated: Two Teens Arrested Arrested for Auto Theft Monday Morning

The suspects were found with the help of the Capitola K-9 Unit, the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs and Watsonville Police.

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on Monday, a citizen reported a suspicious vehicle in the area of Green Valley Road and Silverleaf Drive, according to the Watsonville Police Department. 

The "suspicious" vehicle was indeed a stolen 1997 Honda Accord, which had been reported stolen out of Watsonville on August 25. 

Watsonville Police Motor Officer, Jason Koehler, began to follow the vehicle, which turned onto Carnation Drive and abruptly stopped. Upon stopping, the 18-year-old driver exited the vehicle and began running. 

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"He was in a stolen car and we tried to stop him and he ran, we chased him down and he is in custody," said Sergeant Michael Ridgway of the Watsonville Police Department.

The driver also dropped a loaded magazine from a handgun while he exited, running southbound through backyards and jumping fences. The front passenger of the vehicle, a 14-year-old female, fled southbound on foot as well. 

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The Santa Cruz County Sheriffs were called, and helped to establish a perimeter along with the Capitola Police Department's K-9 officer. The female was quickly located and arrested, according to the Watsonville Police. The 18-year-old was located in the backyard of a house on Fuchsia drive and arrested without incident.

The 14-year-old had an outstanding warrant for her arrest and was charged with vehicle theft and resisting arrest. The 18-year-old was uncooperative with police, and was identified by his tattoos, according to Watsonville Police. He was charged with vehicle theft, resisting arrest, and for participating in a criminal street gang.

The firearm that the magazine belonged to was not found in the search.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Watsonville Police Department Crime Tip line at 831-728-3544.

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