Witnesses Told Police That They Saw Him Throw Something
SANTA CRUZ—Officers with the Santa Cruz Police Department have arrested 20-year-old Santa Cruz resident Gilberto Uribe on several felony charges, including being in possession of stolen firearm and violating his parole, all stemming from his involvement in a hit and run incident that occurred on Saturday evening in Santa Cruz.
Police responded to a report of a vehicle accident that occurred at the intersection of Delaware Street and Fair Street. Witnesses stated that a red Ford Focus struck the driver side of a white Volvo XC80, and then left the scene.
Although the witness had reported that there were major injuries, it was determined there were no injured victims at the scene. Officers located both the vehicles involved in the collision about a mile away, in the area of California Street and Trescony Street.
An investigation showed that when the red Ford Focus fled the scene, the driver of the Volvo continued to follow him until they both stopped in the area near Neary Lagoon Park. Witnesses told police that they saw him throw a black backpack over a fence near to where the two cars were stopped.
The hit & run chase ended up outside Nearly Lagoon Park.
Officers were able to retrieve the backpack and they found a loaded rifle inside it. The rifle was later found to be stolen out of Santa Clara County. Also located in the backpack that Uribe had in his possession were credit cards that were reported stolen earlier that day. When detained, Uribe told police that “he fled the collision scene because he believed he was being followed and someone was trying to shoot him.”
Uribe was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on several charges related to the possession of a stolen firearm, possession of the stolen credit cards, and violating his probation. And let’s not forget the DUI, drugs, and hit and run with property damage, carrying a loaded and concealed firearm, and participating in a street gang charges. He also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Gilberto Uribe has been arrested at least six times since turning 18. Most of his charges have been for possession of a controlled substance and DUI for alcohol or drugs. He has also been charged with public intoxication, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving with a suspended license.
