Caller Called Police Because They Were Drinking
WATSONVILLE—The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team Gang Taskforce arrested two Watsonville residents on Wednesday night after they responded to a citizen compliant about a group of men loitering in the area. Arrested were 21-year-old Gabriel Vazquez Rivera and 19-year-old Angel Fernandez Ruiz on numerous gang related charges.
On September 9, at 8:45 pm, the Gang Taskforce responded to a citizen complaint about a group of men that were loitering in the area. The area of unincorporated Watsonville has experienced gang activity in the past.
The caller feared that the loiterers would cause a problem with the residents. The caller also reported to police that the loiterers were drinking and smoking. So the GTF, with Homeland Security and Investigation, responded to the call. Agents contacted seven males ranging from 17 years of age to 21 years of age near the 200 block of San Andreas Road in Watsonville.
Agents found a loaded revolver on Angel Fernandez (Santa Cruz Sheriff’s dept.)
Agents found a loaded revolver in Angel Fernandez Ruiz’s waistband. He was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon while being a member of a street gang and a gang member carrying a loaded firearm, participating in a criminal street gang and promoting a criminal gang conduct. Gabriel Vazquez Rivera was found to be on misdemeanor probation. His probation stipulates that he is not to associate with other gang members. Agents cited and released him for violation of his terms of probation.
Ruiz was transported to the Santa Cruz County Jail and booked.
