Suspect is a Known Gang Member
WATSONVILLE—Investigators with the Watsonville Police Department have made an arrest in the Valentines Day attack that left a teenager with a prosthetic eye. They have arrested 20-year-old known gang and Watsonville resident Joel Solorzano. On Wednesday, February 26, Investigators developed probable cause to arrest Solorzano after a lengthy investigation revealed him as the shooter in the incident.
It happened on Valentines Day when the victim was walking to the store on Loughead Street near the Pajaro River levee and was approached by two individuals. One of those individuals produced a gun and shot the victim once before fleeing on foot into a waiting vehicle.
The victim was transported to a Bay Area Trauma Center for treatment. After several surgeries doctors informed investigators that several bullet fragments could not be removed due to their precarious location, and the victim will be fitted with a prosthetic eye.
“Through a thorough investigation we developed leads that Solorzano was the shooter.” Watsonville Police Detective Charles Bailey said, “He is a known gang associate, also several witnesses have come forward after the incident with evidence about unknown vehicles in the area.”
Joel Solorzano booking photo.
Officers from the Watsonville Police Department obtained a search warrant for Solorzano residence on Coolidge Street in Watsonville. Solorzano, who was at the house at the time the warrant was served, was arrested and transported to the Santa Cruz County Jail.
Solorzano was booked on charges of attempted murder and street terrorism. His brother Juan, also at the house, was arrested the same time for possession of Cannabis and probation violation. The Watsonville Police Department is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to please call the Police Department at 1-831-728-3544 or the Investigation Bureau at 1-831-768-3350.
Read More:
Scotts Valley Patch: Gang Member Arrested in Suspicion of Shooting Teen Who Lost an Eye
