Crime & Safety

Three Arrested in Rolling Gang Shooting Friday on Mission Street

Alejandro Garcia Sanchez, 31, of Watsonville was killed in the shootout.





Written by Brad Kava

Santa Cruz Police Monday night announced the arrests of three people in the shooting death of a 31-year-old Watsonville man, Alejandro Garcia Sanchez. 

Arrested were Marcus Bates, 22, of Aptos and his brother, Michael Bates, 18, also of Aptos, and Marisa Arroyo, 18, of Santa Cruz. Marcus Bates was held on suspicion of using a firearm; Arroyo held for being an accessory and destruction of evidence and the younger Bates, for homicide.

Police said the trio were involved in a gang battle with Sanchez that continued from their place of work. Other sources said the three worked at Santa Cruz Nutritionals, a manufacturer known for helping people who need a second chance. Police said they have worked nonstop since Friday to make these arrests.

The big break in the case, according to Deputy Chief Steve Clark, was finding one of the suspects' cars Saturday morning parked on a coast road.  The police department thanked local businesses who came in early to give police video footage of the rolling battle from their store cameras.

"We got everyone involved," said Clark Monday. "There are no outstanding suspects. This is a case that had a lot of people concerned."

The shooting took place Friday night in what was described as a "rolling gun battle" down Mission Street, the main thoroughfare on the Westside, around 10:45 p.m. Friday. Clark said it was fortunate no bystanders were struck by stray bullets, though rounds did hit the pavement, a psychic business and a gas pump. 

"We're extremely lucky," Clark said. "Think of about how busy Mission Street is as at night. ... Bullets know no boundaries."

The exchange of gunfire ended in front of the Burger King restaurant, where the shooting victim crashed his car. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said his death was caused by bullet wounds, not the crash.

Three cars were involved, a silver Honda Accord, a silver Chevy Impala and a black Honda Civic.


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