Man In Parked Car Arrested With Loaded Gun In Lap, Open Alcohol Containers, Drug Paraphernalia: Police

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – A 30-year-old man was arrested late Thursday night in Watsonville after officers found him with a gun, drug paraphernalia and open alcohol containers in a parked car, according to police.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., two officers approached a suspicious car in the area of Walker and West Front streets that was parked awkwardly and had its lights on, police said.

Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a Watsonville resident, was in the driver's seat with a passenger next to him. The officers noticed the open alcohol containers and Rodriguez notified them of a loaded handgun that was between his legs, according to police.

Rodriguez was compliant and the officers were able to secure the handgun, which was not registered to him.

They learned he had just purchased the weapon illegally and test fired it into the nearby riverbed before
getting into his car, police said.

Rodriguez allegedly admitted to being addicted to and under the influence of methamphetamine and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a loaded handgun in a vehicle, negligent discharge of a firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm while under the influence of drugs, police said.

• Also see: Santa Clara University IDs Suspects In 'Disturbing' Vandalism On Elevator, Bulletin Board

--Bay City News/Images via Watsonville PD