Two men arrested after they led police in a vehicle pursuit through East Salinas

Two men were arrested after they led police on a vehicle pursuit through East Salinas Tuesday night, according to the Salinas Police Department.

Officers from the Salinas Police Department’s Violence Suppression Unit attempted to stop 27-year-old Orlando Martinez and 20-year-old Oscar Martin for a vehicle code violation, according to police.

Police said the suspect vehicle accelerated and led officers on a pursuit. Martinez and Martin jumped out of the car mid-block of Pacific Avenue and fled into back yards. Police said one of the suspects dropped a loaded, sawed off, single shot shotgun by the car as they ran off.

Officers found Martinez sitting at the rear of a residence. Police said they found a live shotgun round in his pocket. He was taken into custody and booked into Monterey County Jail. Officers captured Martin as he attempted to jump over a fence.

Police said both suspects are known gang members.