Soquel man arrested on firearm and gang charges

A Soquel man was arrested for having an unregistered firearm, illegal large capacity magazine, and reported gang affiliation.

The Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team’s Gang Task Force arrested Said Paredes-Cazares, around 1 p.m. Saturday. They found him at work, after serving a search warrant for his home in the 2800 block of S. Rodeo Gulch Road.

Law enforcement says Paredes-Cazares is a known Sureno participant. At his home, officers found an unregistered loaded 9mm semi-automatic firearm, and an illegal large capacity magazine under a mattress. They also found clothing linking Paredes-Cazares to a Santa Cruz-based Sureno gang.

Paredes is facing three charges for alleged possession of the firearm, magazine, and gang participation.