Watsonville Police increase efforts to suppress gang violence

Watsonville Police said they arrested a man who was a documented gang member.

The Watsonville Police Department said they found Esequiel Rodriguez had a rifle during a probation compliance search. Authorities say Rodriguez had previous felony convictions and is not allowed to own firearms. Police said hewas recently discharged on parole.

According to authorities, recent gang related violence was the impetus for police and the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force to conduct their gang suppression detail.

Watsonville Police say they arrested Rodriguez for being a felon in possession of a firearm, violating probation, and gang enhancement.

As another response to the recent rise in violence, Watsonville City Manager Carols Palacios has authorized overtime for enforcement and efforts at gang violence suppression, according to the Watsonville Police Department.

Authorities said these efforts include an additional special enforcement team of police officers working every day, as well as close collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force, the Santa Cruz County Probation Department and the State Parole Department.