Suspected Gang Member Leads Short Police Chase In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA — A Watsonville gang member who led police on a brief foot chase on New Year’s Day has been booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail, according to the Watsonville Police Department.

Geovanni Lopez, 32, faces several charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm and resisting arrest, police said.

Lopez, who had two outstanding warrants for his arrest, was in the backseat of an Impala that was pulled over by officers on the 100 block of Elm Street. As soon as the Impala stopped, Lopez bolted out of the car and made his way toward the Watsonville Police Department, police said. Another officer in the area was able to arrest Lopez across the street from WPD parking lot.

A loaded gun that Lopez tossed while running from officers was recovered and booked into evidence, police said.

Officers also arrested the driver of the Impala, Enrique Ramos, for violating parole terms.