'Suspicious Car' Tip Leads To Arrest Of Parolee

A tip regarding a suspicious car led to the arrest of a 22-year-old parolee who allegedly had burglary tools, narcotics and a firearm in Santa Cruz on Friday morning, police said Monday.

James Smith was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm, possession of narcotics for sale, possession of burglary tools and parole violation, police said. Officers were investigating a tip that provided a vague description and partial license plate of a suspicious car with an armed driver around 10:15 a.m., police said. One of the officers saw a white Nissan Altima near Bellevue and Seaside streets, according to police.

Additional officers spoke with Smith, who was in and out of the car, police said. Smith was found to be on parole and the car’s registered owner, according to police. The 22-year-old was allegedly found with a large bindle of heroin and a digital scale in his pants pocket, police said.

Officers also discovered an unloaded .22-caliber American Tactical Imports handgun, a magazine and additional ammunition, according to police. Burglary tools including bolt cutters, a torch, air bag car door opener and flashlights were found in the car, police said.

Other property was found inside the Nissan and investigators are determining if they are stolen, according to police.

Smith was arrested without incident and booked into county jail, police said.

--Bay City News