Off-duty officer helps to catch Watsonville vehicle theft suspects

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) Two men have been arrested on vehicle theft charges after an off-duty Watsonville officer reported suspicious activity.

Police said the officer saw the two men casing vehicles in a neighborhood near Lighthouse Drive and reported it to the department.

Surveillance video shows the suspects, later identified as 18-year-old Christian Torres and 19-year-old Jesus Torres, getting into an SUV and trying to get out of the driveway at about 4:30 a.m. Monday.

As it was happening, police said the off-duty officer continued to watch them and provide information to officers who were on their way.

Officers said they found the SUV parked nearby with both men inside. Christian allegedly ran away, but was caught later, and Jesus was detained at the scene.

Both are facing vehicle theft and petty theft charges, but Christian also faces obstructing and resisting an officer charges.