WATSONVILLE — A Watsonville man was arrested Jan. 16 at his Martinelli Street home following a host of charges including being a gang member in possession of a concealed firearm.
George Rivera, commander of the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team’s Gang Task Force, said team members approached the home on the 200 block of Martinelli Street at 5 p.m. on a probation compliance search of Moises Avalos, 18.
Avalos is on probation for DUI and narcotic-related charges.
During the search of the residence, agents reportedly discovered an ammunition can on the roof of an outside shed, which contained .45 caliber ammunition, leading agents to believe there was a firearm hidden at the residence.
A key to a locked shed was found in Avalos’ pocket. During a search of the shed, Rivera said, a backpack belonging to Avalos was discovered. The backpack contained a Smith & Wesson .357 caliber revolver and loaded Ruger .45 caliber semi-auto handgun with a high capacity magazine with its serial numbers removed. Team members also learned that the revolver was reported stolen out of San Luis Obispo County.
More than 30 Xanax pills were also recovered from the backpack, as well as Avalos’ employee identification card.
While searching his bedroom, agents discovered a bullet hole through a window, Rivera said, which appeared to have been fired from within the room, leading agents to believe Avalos had accidentally fired a round in his room.
Avalos was taken into custody on the following charges:
• Possession of a stolen firearm
• Carrying a concealed firearm while in a street gang
• Possession of a firearm without a serial number
• Possession of ammunition by a gang member
• Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription
He was taken to the Santa Cruz County Jail.
Anyone with information on this case or any other gang-related case is asked to call 454-2320.
