Over the past week, our patrol teams have taken two guns
off the streets from gangsters.
The first case involved our Neighborhood Enforcement Team
tracking down a suspect with a felony drug warrant. The suspect, Andrew Villa was found in an apartment
in the 300 block of Cliff Street. After taking him into custody, a search of his
belongings discovered this unregistered .22 caliber revolver.
Mr. Villa was booked into jail for his warrant, being a
felon in possession of a firearm, as well as the enhancement for being involved
in a criminal street gang. Here is his booking photo
Mr. Villa is
a Sureno gang member. Mr. Villa is a 19 year old Santa Cruz resident.
In the second case, our officer spotted a known Sureno gang
member and gang associate near Ocean and Broadway. Our
officer knew the gangster, Mr. Jonathan Luis and also knew he had an outstanding
warrant for his arrest.
Our officer contacted Mr. Luis and his juvenile
associate. Mr. Luis was arrested for his
warrant.
Mr. Luis is an 18 year old Santa Cruz resident.
The young Padawan (on his way
to being a full-fledged, card-carrying gangster) was contacted for what we call
a “Field Interview”. That’s where we
document who they are, tattoos, gang clothing, associates, etc.
Thankfully, our officer searched the juvenile because in
his waistband was this loaded .22 caliber revolver with the serial number
removed.
Once we discovered the gun, the fight was on. Our officer successfully restrained the
suspect and removed the firearm.
We won’t identify him, because he is a 15 year old juvenile,
but rest assured his conduct is every bit as concerning as any adult. The juvenile was booked into Juvenile Hall
for being in possession of a loaded firearm, as well as being in possession of
a firearm that has the serial numbers removed. The juvenile is a 15 year old Watsonville resident.
Once again, great intuition and follow through by our patrol teams;
taking dangerous people and weapons off the streets.
