Deputies bust suspect with illegal shotgun in Watsonville

A man already in trouble for carrying a loaded gun was busted again in Watsonville after deputies found him in possession of an illegally modified shotgun.

According to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy on patrol Thursday night attempted to pull over the driver of a Mercedes-Benz. The driver, Mario Juarez already had a record for being in possession of a loaded firearm and had warrants for his arrest.

“Juarez decided he was not going back to jail and failed to stop,” said Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s.

Juarez was unable to get away in his car so he ditched the Mercedes and took off on foot. Deputies were able to quickly track down Juarez and take him into custody.

During a search of the Mercedes-Benz deputies found the shotgun.

Juarez was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.