WATSONVILLE — A series of probation checks around Watsonville on Thursday resulted in three arrests.
According to George Rivera, Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team Gang Task Force (SCCACT) commander, SCCACT members and probation officers conducted a series of probation home compliance checks at the residences of known gang participants. The compliance checks focused on probationers living in south Santa Cruz County.
Nineteen people on felony probation were searched.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested for probation violation, after gang paraphernalia (writing, clothing) were found in his bedroom, according to Rivera. The juvenile was released to an adult relative.
A replica Glock airsoft pistol was confiscated from another probationer, after it was found in his bedroom.
Ryan Lara, 27, who is on probation for prior weapons violation, was contacted near his vehicle on the 200 block of Sunnyhills Drive. During a search of the vehicle, officers reportedly located ammunition in the center console. Lara was arrested for being a felon in possession of ammunition and for violating his probation and transported to county jail.
Officers also searched 21-year-old Angel Fernandez’s residence on the 100 block of Vista Del Lago Court. According to Rivera, officers found a loaded .40 caliber semi-auto firearm in his vehicle. The firearm had been reported stolen out of Monterey County. Fernandez was arrested on a variety of charges and transported to county jail.
Anyone with information on gang-related crime is asked to call 454-2320.
