SANTA CRUZ — Santa Cruz police responded to nearly 600 service calls over the course of the 4th of July weekend. Of those nearly 600 calls, police took 142 reports and made 76 total arrests.
Among them was a known Watsonville gang member, who was arrested for DUI after a traffic accident that sent one victim to the hospital with minor injuries.
At about 11 PM, police responded to the area of Delacosta Avenue and Almar Avenue on reports of an injury following a collision. Once on scene, officers found a white 1999 Honda Accord had collided with a Subaru.
The driver of the Honda, 20-year-old Cristobal Ortiz of Watsonville, remained on scene and was detained by police on suspicion of driving under the influence. Ortiz was also found to have been carrying a loaded, unregistered handgun in his car.
Police also learned that Ortiz is a known local gang member. He was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of DUI and carrying a loaded weapon.
