Three arrested with loaded guns in Watsonville

Watsonville police responded to reports of people spray painting graffiti and ended up arresting three people – two men and a minor – for having loaded guns.

Police say a Watsonville resident called Saturday about 9 p.m.to report someone spraying graffiti on fences in the alley of Orchard St. at Hill Avenue.

Police set up a perimeter to block escape routes from the ally and arrested David Hernandez, 21, and a minor in a parking lot at East Lake and Hill Avenue. Police say the minor threw away a loaded gun before his arrest. The gun and a can of spray paint were found in the area.

The third suspect, Alejandro Hernandez, 38, was arrested in front of a business on Hill Ave. at E Lake Ave. Police said Hernandez had a loaded gun and a can of spray paint.

All three suspects were identified as active gang members.