Aviation Way Shooting Investigation in Watsonville: Firearms Seized & 2 Arrested
WATSONVILLE, CA — On March 5, 2026, law enforcement officials served nearly a dozen search warrants throughout Watsonville as part of an investigation into a shooting that occurred earlier this year. The initial incident took place in the 0–100 block of Aviation Way. Following several weeks of evidence gathering and lead follow-up by detectives, investigators secured multiple search warrants for various locations.
During the execution of these warrants, officers recovered several firearms, ammunition, and narcotics. Two individuals were taken into custody during the operation. Jesus Franco, 43, was arrested on charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of body armor, and child endangerment. Additionally, 49-year-old Antonio Pimentel was apprehended on an unrelated outstanding warrant.
The operation involved the assistance of multiple local law enforcement partners. According to officials, the investigation into the Aviation Way shooting remains active, and no further details regarding the evidence or specific narcotics seized have been released at this time. The case continues as detectives process the items recovered during the searches and review the information gathered from the warrant executions.
