Two arrested during incident with a rowdy crowd in Castroville on 4th of July

A large group of possible gang members were reportedly shooting guns into the air on the 4thof July in Castroville, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said they responded to the intersection of Speegle St. and Haight St. where several people were seen with weapons in hand. Shortly after their initial response, deputies said a crowd of about 80 people began to converge on them as they were attempting to take two suspects into custody.

Deputies said several hand guns had also been thrown into the immediate area, creating a very dangerous situation. Back up was called in from Marina Police, Seaside Police, Sand City Police, and the California Highway Patrol.

Two suspects, Jairo Cortez, 19, and a 17-year-old were arrested and three loaded handguns were recovered, according to deputies. Both people tried to resist arrest but deputies said a Sheriff’s K-9 and less-lethal “bean bag” round were used.