Daniel Paiagua (L) and Rodrigo Garcia (R)
WATSONVILLE — A report to police concerning suspicious activity netted the arrest of two Watsonville gang members on the evening of Thursday, February 2nd, at around 6 PM near the 100 area of Jefferson Street. Arrested were Daniel Paiagua and Rodrigo Garcia (both 19) of Watsonville.
On that night, the Santa Cruz Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT) Gang Task Force responded to Jefferson Street after a citizen called in to report two people sitting in a car smoking pot.
Arriving officers found two documented Norteno gang members sitting in the vehicle. Further investigation also revealed that one of them, Garcia, was on probation and subject to search terms.
Both individuals appeared to be nervous and reaching for areas in the vehicle hidden from officers’ view. They were subsequently detained while authorities searched.
One of the officers also discovered a loaded .9mm handgun on the floor near Garcia’s seat, as well as two walkie-talkie radios. A records check also revealed that the gun had apparently been stolen.
The two were arrested and charged with being gang members in possession of a loaded firearm, illegal possession of ammunition, participating and promoting a criminal street gang, and probation violation.
