2 Alleged Gang Members Arrested After Watsonville Shooting

WATSONVILLE, CA — Two alleged gang members are in custody after Watsonville police responded to a shooting late Monday night and then saw the pair running from them. Officers responded at about 11:35 p.m. Monday to reports of several shots fired in the area of Rodriguez and West Fifth streets and saw two men standing in front of a home start running from them, according to police.

Police quickly arrested Nathan Becerril, 18, who was hiding under a car, and caught 26-year-old Ismael Rodriguez after he allegedly jumped over fences toward Kilburn Street and tried to hide behind shrubs, police said.

Rodriguez, a convicted felon, had allegedly dumped a loaded pistol on Kilburn Street as he fled but officers recovered it. He also allegedly refused to cooperate with officers but was taken into custody after a brief struggle, according to police.

Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, participating in a criminal street gang and resisting arrest, while Becerril was arrested on suspicion of the gang offense as well as delaying the police investigation.

No injuries were reported in the shooting, but anyone with information about it is asked to call (831) 471-1151.

By Bay City News