Three Gang Members Charged for Possessing Stolen and Loaded Firearm

Police arrested three gang members on Saturday night for possession of a loaded firearm as part of street gang crime, and possession of stolen property.

Police stopped Christopher Cruz, 20, Julio Villalobos, 20, and Gustavo Monroy, 18, as they were driving a vehicle on Manana Lane. A loaded firearm was found in the trunk, and later reported stolen out of the City of Marina.

The men were located after an Animal Control Officer called police. He was flagged down by a citizen who saw a group of gang members flashing a handgun at people in the area. Police arrived in the area of Arthur Road and Crescent Drive around 6 p.m.

A police officer then spotted a dark colored Lincoln sedan travelling west bound on Arthur Road with three gang members aboard. The police officer followed the vehicle south bound on Santa Clara Street, and stopped it at the 100 block of Manana Lane with the assistance of other police officers.

The vehicle was searched, and the three men were charged with possession of a loaded firearm as part of street gang crime, possession of stolen property, and criminal street gang enhancement.

Police are encouraging anyone with information about the case to call the Watsonville Police Crime Tip line at 768-3354 or the Watsonville Police Investigations Bureau at 768-3350.