Great Witness & Good Police Work Gets One More Gun Off The Street and DUI Driver too!

On Sunday, 7/23/17 morning, a community member flagged down an SCPD officer during the Wharf To Wharf race. The citizen witnessed a suspect brandishing a gun near the Beach Flats area. This witness gave a good description, including the green Chevy Tahoe driven by the suspect.

The officer immediately broadcasted the subject's and the vehicle's description. Several SCPD Patrols sprang into action and quickly located the suspect Tahoe. SCPD conducted a high-risk car stop on Chestnut Street. Three suspects affiliated with the Norteno gang were removed from the Tahoe.

Officers discovered a Ruger P90 .45 caliber pistol tucked between the driver's seat and center console. Officers also found an open container of beer and a spent .45 caliber casing in the vehicle.

Arthur Torres, 28 years old from Watsonville

SCPD identified the driver of the truck as Arthur Torres, 28 years old from Watsonville. The other two occupants are Jose Chavez, 26 years old from Santa Cruz, and Ricardo De La Cruz, 25 years old from Capitola.

Jose Chavez, 26 years old from Santa Cruz

Ricardo De La Cruz, 25 years old from Capitola

All three were arrested for conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in a criminal street gang, and carrying a concealed weapon. Torres also faces DUI charges. All three have known gang affiliations.
The Santa Cruz Police Department encourages community members to be partners in public safety. Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood. Call 9-1-1, Anonymous Tip Line (831) 420-5995 or send us a tip online.