Known Gang Member Arrested On Several Crimes: Santa Cruz Cops

SANTA CRUZ, CA -- A 24-year-old Santa Cruz man whom police described today as a "known Sureno gang participant" was arrested Friday night on suspicion of several firearm- and drug-related crimes, police said. Clyde Lucio Ortega was arrested following during a vehicle stop at about 8:15 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Front Street in Santa Cruz. Officers with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team's Gang Task Force conducted the stop.

Ortega was a passenger in the car, task force Cmdr. George Rivera said in a statement.

Officers found 3.4 grams of methamphetamine in Ortega's pocket, and a .44-caliber revolver was found in his backpack. That weapon had been reported stolen in San Mateo County, Rivera said.

Ortega, who remained in custody tonight, faces one count each of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, being a street gang member carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a stolen loaded firearm, Possession of
methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officers had a search warrant for Ortega's Santa Cruz home, but found no contraband there, Rivera said.

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