2 Suspected Of Gang Participation Arrested In Santa Cruz Co.

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputies arrested two suspected gang members Friday on suspicion of numerous offenses after they allegedly tried to evade arrest. According to sheriff's officials, on Friday night two deputies were on foot patrol at Wrinkle Park in Soquel due to recent gang activity when they saw a BMW carrying four people slowly drive past them.

The deputies recognized the vehicle from a previous gang-related investigation, so they got into their patrol car and followed the BMW. A vehicle chase ensued and the driver of the BMW started making evasive
maneuvers in an attempt to get away, sheriff's officials said.

The BMW stopped behind a 7-Eleven store on Soquel Drive and a passenger, later identified as Issac Urquiza, got out and fled on foot, sheriff's officials said. The deputies detained the driver of the BMW, identified as Enrique Rocha, as well as two juvenile passengers, sheriff's officials said. The deputies later located Urquiza along Paul Sweet Road.

Deputies retraced Urquiza's path and found a loaded handgun that they believe he'd thrown away while trying to evade them. Urquiza and Rocha were arrested on suspicion of gang participation, possessing a loaded firearm and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both juveniles were later released to their families and have charges pending against them, sheriff's officials said.

By Bay City News

Photos courtesy Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office