Tinted Front Car Windows Lead To Traffic Stop, Arrest of Watsonville Convicted Felon

A convicted felon was arrested during a traffic stop in Watsonville on Saturday night, police said.

Ulises Castillo, 23, of Watsonville, was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle and parole violation, Watsonville police Sgt. Juan Trujillo said.

Around 8:50 p.m., an officer conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 Toyota Camry in the area of Harkins Slough Road near Ford Street because the vehicle had front tinted windows, Trujillo said. Castillo was a passenger in the car and is a known gang member, according to the sergeant.

During a parole compliance search, a 9mm Smith and Wesson semi-automatic handgun was found under his seat, Trujillo said. Castillo was arrested and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Watsonville police investigations at (831) 768-33350. Anonymous tips can be left by calling (831) 758-3544 or texting WATSPD to 888777.

--Bay City News