Armed Suspect Arrested After Threatening Mother and Child in Santa Cruz
WATSONVILLE, CA — Santa Cruz police officers arrested a man who allegedly entered a home armed with a rifle and threatened a mother and her child. The incident occurred on the 200 block of Ford Street yesterday morning. The suspect, identified as 31 year old Javier Lopez of Watsonville, reportedly pointed the weapon at the victims before leaving the residence. Both the mother and child were unharmed.
Incident Image – Courtesy of Watsonville PD
As officers responded to the scene, Lopez was located nearby. While attempting to walk away, he allegedly discarded a loaded rifle by throwing it into a slough. Authorities quickly established a perimeter with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol and the department’s Drone Team. Within two hours of the initial report, Lopez was taken into custody without further incident, and the firearm was recovered.
Lopez was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail without bail. He faces multiple felony charges, including burglary, criminal threats, and carrying a loaded firearm. The investigation remains ongoing.
