Watsonville Neighborhood Locked Down During 'High Risk' Search

WATSONVILLE, CA — A "shelter in place" and police lockdown in a Watsonville neighborhood Friday morning resulted in a suspected drug dealer with a violent past being detained.

A "high-risk" search warrant was served at a Lawrence Avenue home Friday morning following numerous complaints about illegal drug sales being run out of a home there.

According to Watsonville police, 26-year-old Eli Gutierrez, who is currently out on bail for murder, was selling marijuana out of his home. He was detained by police Friday.

"At least two violent confrontations involving firearms have occurred at this residence directly related to the illegal sale of marijuana," police said.

In July 2018, the home was the center of a murder investigation after two armed men entered the residence and stole a large amount of cash and marijuana from Gutierrez, according to police.

"Gutierrez and his father opened fire as the armed suspects ran away from the residence. One of the armed robbers, a 32-year-old man, died in the driveway of the home," police said.

Prior to the murder investigation, WPD detectives were investigating a shooting that happened in front of the home while Gutierrez was selling marijuana, according to police.

During Friday's raid, officers locked down the neighborhood and asked residents to shelter in place because of the possibility of firearms being inside the home and the two prior violent incidents, according to police.

The shelter in place has been lifted and the area is back open.

At press time, Watsonville police are working with the District Attorney's office; no charges have been filed against Gutierrez related to Friday's search, according to the WPD.

Approved, commercially operated cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operations are allowed in Watsonville, but these businesses are not allowed to operate in residential areas. Currently, the city does not allow for cannabis dispensaries. According to police, the Lawrence Avenue home that was raided Friday is near four schools.