Hit-and-run crash leads officers to stolen loaded rifle, police say

A hit and run crash on Saturday led officers to investigate an area nearby where the suspect had allegedly thrown a stolen loaded rifle, according to Santa Cruz Police.

Officers responded to a crash at Delaware St. and Fair St., where the driver of a red Ford Focus allegedly hit the driver side of a white Volvo XC80 and ran.

Soon after, two cars matching witness statements were seen in the area of California St. and Trescony St. Officers said the Volvo followed the Focus to that intersection, where the driver, Gilberto Uribe, 20, was identified.

Police said several witnesses reported seeing Uribe get out of the car and throw a black backpack over a fence. That’s where officers said they found a stolen loaded rifle out of Santa Clara County.

Police said Uribe also stolen credit cards earlier in the day. No one was hurt during the crash. Uribe said he ran from the scene because he believed someone was following him and trying to shoot him.