Wanted suspect caught and arrested in Watsonville

A man known to local law enforcement and wanted for several felonies was arrested by California Highway Patrol Tuesday afternoon. Officers said he’s also the same man responsible for a 40 hour standoff with Salinas police earlier this year. CHP said Agustin Palomares was spotted driving a white Cadillac in the area of Carlton and Thompson in Watsonville around 11:00 a.m. Tuesday. When officers tried to stop the vehicle, Palomares drove through a dirt road into a dirt field before getting out and taking off on foot. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, Watsonville Police and CHP aircraft launched a search after Palomares ran into a creek. Palomares was arrested and taken to a local hospital to be checked for injuries before he was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail. During this arrest, Palomares was booked on kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, stalking and vehicle theft. He was on probation for several convictions including auto theft, stalking, terrorist threats and vandalism.