Convicted Watsonville Felon Arrested After Found With Gun In Home

Watsonville police and the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force on Monday arrested a documented gang member and convicted felon after finding a rifle and gang indicia inside his home, police said.

At 9:06 p.m. Monday, police and task force members on a gang suppression detail in response to recent violence by street gang members conducted a probation search of the home of Esequiel Rodriguez on West Beach Street in Watsonville, according to police.

Officers located a rifle and numerous items related to gang activity and arrested Rodriguez, who has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from owning firearms, police said.

Rodriguez, 28, who is on record with police as a known gang member and who was recently discharged from parole, was arrested on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, violating probation and a gang enhancement, according to police.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call the department’s investigations unit at (831) 768-3350 or an anonymous tip line at (831) 728-3544.

--Bay City News

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