Two Arrested After Officers Spot Them Drinking Beer In Public In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA - Officers with the Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Task Force arrested two men in Watsonville Thursday after they were observed drinking beer in public and then tried to walk away when officers confronted them.

At 8:53 p.m., officers approached a group drinking beer in the 100 block of Grant Street, according to SCCACT officials. One man who tried to walk away was detained.

He was identified as 28-year-old Nathanael Avila. Officers found Avila had a loaded .22-caliber Colt semi-automatic pistol concealed in his front waistband. Avila also had a box of ammunition in his pocket, SCCACT officials said.

Avila was arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a firearm, participating in a street gang and promoting a street gang, according to SCCACT officials.

Another man who was in the group also walked away and went into a nearby residence when the officers approached. Officers determined the man was on active parole.

A parole search was conducted at the house and officers found the man hiding inside. He was identified as 35-year-old Richard Betancourt. Officers arrested Betancourt on suspicion of violating parole and obstructing, delaying or resisting a peace officer, SCCACT officials said.

The two men were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.

--Bay City News