Suspect busted with loaded gun and drugs at Watsonville motel

Watsonville Police arrested a man in possession of a loaded gun and drug items outside a motel.

According to police, around 7 a.m. Wednesday, officers came in contact with two people at the Economy Inn parking lot at 584 Auto Center Driver. During the encounter, 18-year-old Esteban Montiel told police that he had recently been arrested for possession of a handgun earlier in the month.

Officers felt the need to search Montiel and found that he was in possession of drug paraphernalia, a controlled substance, and a loaded handgun.

Montiel was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.

During a search of Montiel’s home, officers located additional drugs.