Suspected gang members arrested in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested two suspected gang members, Friday night.

Enrique Rocha and Issac Urquiza were arrested in Santa Cruz, after reportedly leading officers on a chase beginning in Soquel. Two minors were in the vehicle with them.

Two deputies were patrolling Winkle Park, following recent gang activity, when they saw a BMW they recognized from a previous gang-related investigation. The four suspects allegedly drove away from the law enforcement officers, with Urquiza eventually fleeing on foot when the car stopped behind the 7-Eleven on Soquel drive.

The driver, Rocha, was arrested along with the two juveniles. Urquiza was found on Paul Sweet Road. A K9 officer alerted authorities to a loaded handgun on the corner of Soquel Drive and Mission Drive, believed to have been tossed by Urquiza.

Rocha and Urquiza were arrested for charges including gang participation, possession of a loaded firearm, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

The minors were released to family members with charges pending.