The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) over the last few days arrested five men who they say are affiliated with gangs, seizing nearly a half-dozen weapons as well as several drugs the arrestees were planning to sell.
The most recent arrest occurred following a traffic stop on Feb. 18. Greg Arias, who police say was armed with a gun, ran from his vehicle after being pulled over by law enforcement officers. He was arrested after being subdued by officers with a taser.
Arias, police say, is on probation and is a convicted felon. Watsonville Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reduction and Enforcement (SCARE) Team seized three firearms, drugs and body armor related to that case.
A few days earlier, SCCACT arrested four men they say are gang members in two unrelated cases. Enrique Ortiz and Angel Ortiz were arrested in one case, and Fernando Carranza and Isiah Ruelas were arrested in another. Each case yielded a loaded gun and drugs for sale. All four suspects were actively on probation or parole in Santa Cruz County.
