Cops Seize Heroin and Stolen Items from Known Criminals

A rash of auto burglaries was solved by Capitola Police this week when officers located John Joseph Chulian, Jr. and Melissa Ann Bica in a vehicle in the parking lot behind Pacific Veterinary Specialists Tuesday morning.

Following reports of a suspicious vehicle, officers approached the car and found Chulina, 31, of Soquel and Bica, 19, of Santa Cruz inside. According to Sgt. Cliff Sloma, both suspects were determined to be in on active probation, and were subject to search. 

A search of the vehicle and suspects led to the discovery of heroin, drug paraphernalia and items stolen from vehicles in Santa Cruz, unincorporated Santa Cruz County, Scotts Valley and Santa Clara County, Sloma said in a prepared statement. 

During follow up procedures, Capitola officers were able to locate the owners of the stolen property.

Chulian and Bica were both taken to Santa Cruz County Jail and booked on charges of heroin possession, drug paraphernalia possession, identity theft, possession of stolen property and probation violation.