Two Apprehended & Drugs Seized Following Vehicle Pursuit, Crash, and Foot Chase
WATSONVILLE, CA — A routine traffic stop escalated into a vehicle pursuit, a foot chase, and the arrest of two individuals on multiple charges on the night of May 20th, just before 9:00 p.m.
While on patrol, officers observed a gray Chrysler 300 run a stop sign. When an officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to yield and fled the scene, prompting a vehicle pursuit.
A few minutes later, the Chrysler struck a building located in the 0–100 block of W. Front Street, resulting in minor damage to a water line. Following the collision, the driver, identified as 20-year-old Watsonville resident Gabriela Melgoza, and the passenger, identified as 22-year-old Watsonville resident Adrian Rizo, exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued the individuals and took both into custody after a brief foot chase.
During the subsequent investigation, officers discovered a large quantity of marijuana inside the vehicle.
Both individuals were transported and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. Melgoza faces multiple charges related to evading officers, resisting arrest, and hit-and-run. Rizo faces charges for resisting officers. Additionally, both individuals face charges for possession of marijuana for sale.
