Gang-Activity Crackdown Leads To Arrest Of Teens, 19 & 17

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Law enforcement on Thursday evening, responding to complaints of a spike in alleged gang activity in a Soquel area, arrested two males for weapon and drug charges, authorities said.

A 17-year-old, who was not identified due to his age, was stopped along Soquel Drive and 41st Avenue and found to be in reported possession of a fixed-blade knife, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. Another man, meanwhile, Oscar Ramirez, 19, also was stopped by the Gang Task Force, deputies said.

Ramirez, who initially purportedly lied about his name, was searched due to his probation status, and deputies recovered a loaded .38-caliber revolver and 75 Xanax pills from his backpack, the department said.

The minor was arrested and booked into juvenile hall for suspicion of possessing a concealed fixed-blade knife, while Ramirez was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for alleged possession of a loaded firearm, possession of medication without a prescription and a probation violation.

The Sheriff’s Office reminded community members to call to report illegal activity, "especially involving the potential for violence."

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--Images via Santa Cruz Sheriff