Suspect fled County to Avoid Arrest
WATSONVILLE—Authorities with the Watsonville Police Department along with the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office have announced that they have indeed arrested 19-year-old Watsonville resident Brenda Alcara Velador for a traffic accident that occurred back in March.
The original accident occurred on Wednesday, March 12 near the intersection of Main Street and First Street in downtown Watsonville. A 10-year-old boy was with his family in the crosswalk when he was struck by a speeding motorist in a purple PT Cruiser.
The driver was identified as Velador, but she was not arrested at the scene, as the investigation was ongoing for several months. The Watsonville Police Department’s Traffic Division along with the Investigation Division conducted a joint investigation into the accident.
Based on their findings, charges were requested by the police department through the Santa Cruz County District Attorney’s Office. An arrest warrant was issued for Velador.
There are two crosswalks at the corner of Main and First Streets.
“Ms. Velador was made aware of the arrest warrant, however she refused to cooperate and turn herself in to authorities.” Watsonville Police Sergeant Eric Montalbo wrote in a press release, “It is believed that she had fled Santa Cruz County to avoid arrest.”
As they diligently worked on this case, investigators were able to develop a lead that Velador was in Vacaville. On August 14, Watsonville Police, with assistance from the Vacaville Police Department, located and arrested Velador at a residence there on Alamo Drive.
She was transported to Santa Cruz County Jail and booked on a charge of reckless driving that caused serious bodily injury. Her bail has been set at $500,000.00 dollars.
Ironically, in the interim time between the accident and her arrest, Velador was booked on an unrelated crime. She and Robert Arce Avila, 27 of Watsonville, were arrested for a June 20 burglary at Sears in Capitola Mall, just north of Watsonville near Santa Cruz. They were both charged with burglary and conspiracy according to sheriff’s records.
The 10-year-old accident victim, identified by KION News as Jesse Ventura, is still in critical condition at a children’s hospital. The Watsonville Police would like to remind everyone that with school starting, to please drive carefully in residential areas.
