UPDATE: Watsonville police identify homicide victim
UPDATE 12/20/14 6:03 p.m.: The homicide victim killed in a drive-by shooting in Watsonville Friday was identified as Ivan Avila, 24, from Santa Cruz, Watsonville police confirmed.
Police also added that Avila was an ex-gang member.
At least four detectives cancelled holiday vacation plans to work on the investigation Saturday, police said. They have been working since 8 a.m.
UPDATE 12/19/14 2:08pm: Freedom Blvd is now reopened for normal traffic.
Watsonville police are on the scene at Callahan Park in Watsonville after one person was shot at about 11:20a.m. Police confirm it is now being investigated as a homicide.
Freedom Blvd. is closed from West High to Brennan Streets on one side of the park and Sudden and California Streets on the other side.
A second victim was shot at but not hit police said. The drive-by shooting is being investigated as gang-related.
Project ROPE has been initiated, that means that officers from CHP, Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department and Watsonville police are stationed at every on and off-ramp along Highway 1 through out Santa Cruz County.
Investigators say it is too early to tell whether this was a retaliation shooting for the 15-year-old admitted gang member who was shot and killed on Airport Blvd. right before Thanksgiving.
This is the 9th homicide of the year for Watsonville.
