6 Detained In Watsonville Following Report Of Suspected Gang Activity
WATSONVILLE (CBS SF) -- Suspected gang activity led police to detain six people, most of whom were found in violation of either probation or parole, at a Watsonville park on Thursday evening.
Around 5:40 p.m., officers responded to a report of a group of gang members at the levee in the area of River Park at 100 E. Front St., police Sgt. Juan Trujillo said.
Responding officers saw four males at the levee behind a restroom and a short time later heard popping sounds that resembled the noise of gunshots, according to Trujillo.
The four males ran in different directions and officers were able to detain three of them, Trujillo said.
Police set up a perimeter behind the park and called out at the suspects to come out, according to Trujillo.
Three more suspects appeared out of the Pajaro River bed and detained without incident, Trujillo said.
No injuries were reported.
The arrestees were identified as Cesar Nieblas, 22, Abel Jesus Morales, 21, Neftali Silva Reyes, 19, who were all arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, Trujillo said.
Nieblas is also suspected of violating parole and Morales allegedly violated his probation, according to Trujillo.
Three other juveniles were also taken into custody but one of them was later released, Trujillo said.
The other two juveniles were arrested for violating their probation and one of them also had an arrest warrant, the sergeant said.
Officers were unable to find evidence of a shooting or any gunshot victims, according to Trujillo.
The Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force, Santa Cruz Auto Theft Reduction Team, California Highway Patrol and sheriff's deputies from Santa Cruz and Monterey counties assisted police in the search.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call police investigations at (831) 768-3350. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the police tip line at (831) 728-3544 or sending a text to 888777 with "WATSPD" in the message.
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