WATSONVILLE, CA – Two separate law enforcement incidents over the weekend resulted in the seizure of two loaded firearms and the arrest of two individuals in Santa Cruz County.
The first incident occurred on Friday night following an attempted traffic stop. The driver, identified as 36-year-old Juan Manuel Figueroa, did not stop initially, leading to a short pursuit. The vehicle eventually came to a halt near Waters Alley and Sudden Street. Upon inspecting the vehicle, officers located multiple open alcohol containers. A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of a loaded firearm. Figueroa was taken into custody and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. His charges include evading an officer, carrying a loaded firearm, and driving under the influence.
The second incident took place on Sunday evening in the 200 block of Clifford Avenue. An officer attempted to contact 20-year-old Joseph Tellez, who is currently on probation. Tellez fled the scene on foot, resulting in a brief chase before he was apprehended. Following the foot pursuit, the officer located a loaded firearm in the vicinity. Tellez was arrested and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on several charges, including possession of a loaded firearm, resisting and obstructing an officer, and a probation violation. Authorities noted that these recoveries were the result of proactive patrol efforts and quick decision-making by the officers involved.
Courtesy of Watsonville PD
Courtesy of Watsonville PD
