Routine Traffic Stop Leads to Loaded Shotgun

On 10/21/15 at about 10:00 pm, Santa Cruz Police Officers conducted a traffic stop of a beige Buick Regal for not stopping at a red traffic signal at the intersection of Mission Street and Laurel Street. 

During the car stop, the SCPD Officer saw a shotgun on the floor board of the front passenger seat, which was in arms reach from the driver seat.

The driver of the Buick was identified as Brian Baires, 18 from Santa Cruz. Baires did not have any identification and he was not the registered owner of the car. .  The shotgun in the car was loaded with 4 rounds of 00 buck and 1 round of 7 ½ birdshot.

Brian Baires was taken into custody and booked for possession of a loaded firearm in a vehicle and possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

The Santa Cruz Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety. We are committed to reducing gang crimes and violence in the City of Santa Cruz. Anyone with information regarding suspicious or criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department.