Watsonville police seize 19 guns from two men

A traffic stop led to a major gun bust in Watsonville.

The officer noticed a firearm behind the driver’s seat and called in other officers to help. A search of the car turned up 15 handguns, both loaded and unloaded, and additional ammunition. Police arrested the driver, Bud Kirkpatrick.

Officers then searched Kirkpatrick’s home and found three more handguns. Turns out the majority of the guns were registered to a Watsonville resident who was the victim of a home burglary on New Year’s Eve. Police believe all of the firearms were stolen during that burglary.

Police also arrested Terrance Alexander for a possible connection to the guns and burglary. Police said Alexander tired to run from police and was eventually tased. Police found a handgun and ammunition in the area where Alexander tried to run. Police believe the handgun was also stolen during the same burglary.

Both Kirkpatrick and Alexander were booked into the Santa Cruz County jail.

Watsonville Police has seized 21 guns since the beginning of 2016.