Routine Vehicle Check Leads to Recovery of Narcotics and Weapon
Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force Seized 14TH Gun this year.
WATSONVILLE—Members of the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force that included an officer of the Watsonville Police Department and a Sergeant from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department arrested 23-year-old Watsonville resident Anibal Ivan Gordo-Ruiz for possession of a handgun and a controlled substance.
Anibal Ivan Gordo- Ruiz
On Friday afternoon, at 4:45 pm, two members of the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force were on routine patrol at Freedom Boulevard and Marin Street in Watsonville when they spotted a known gang member riding in a motor vehicle.
Since the passenger was on probation officers decided to stop the vehicle and conduct a compliance check. During a check of the vehicle, the officers found ecstasy and marijuana that was packaged with the intent to sell.
The officers also found an unloaded concealed handgun with the drugs. They also seized $1,190 as evidence from the sale of the narcotics. Gordo-Ruiz, who was identified as the driver, is an active participant in a gang and was arrested without incident.
“Gordo-Ruiz was determined to be an active gang participant in a gang after the conclusion of the investigation,” Supervisor with the Santa Cruz County Gang Force Sergeant Stefan Fish said. “He does have a prior incidences as being a participant in a gang.”
He was transported to Santa Cruz County Jail and booked on charges of 11378 H&S – possession of a controlled substance for sale; 11379(A) – the transportation of a controlled substance; 11359 H&S – possession of marijuana for sale; 11360 H&S – selling marijuana and 25400(A)(1) – carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle. Gordo-Ruiz was released after he posted bail of $25,000.
The seizure of the firearm marked the 14th gun taken off the streets of Santa Cruz County this year.
Read More:
The Californian: Watsonville Probationer Arrested for Drugs, Gun Violations
Watsonville Patch: Ecstasy-Dealing Gang Member Caught With Gun
