Watsonville man arrested after brief car chase

Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three men after pursuing a suspected drunken driver near Porter Drive and San Juan Road.

A deputy attempted to stop a green Cadillac just before 10 p.m. Thursday after observed the car nearly collide with oncoming traffic. The driver failed to yield, and led the deputy on a pursuit through the city of Watsonville, reaching speeds of 30 to 35 miles on city streets. The driver nearly collided with several other vehicles before turning into an apartment complex parking lot, where he had no choice but to stop at the dead end.

The driver was identified as Bernardo Medina-Garcia, whom deputies say is a known Norteno gang member. He was wearing a bullet proof vest and was accompanied by two other men – both of whom deputies described as “admitted Norteno members.”

Medina-Garcia, 26, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license, reckless evading and other charges.

The two passengers — who deputies did not identify Friday — also were arrested.

All three were booked into Monterey County Jail.