Police: Felon carries loaded gun outside Watsonville restaurant

A convicted felon was arrested, accused of carrying a loaded gun outside of a restaurant in Watsonville.

The incident happened Sunday afternoon near an Applebee’s on South Green Valley Road. Officers arrived and placed the restaurant on lockdown.

The Watsonville Police Department said the suspect, Alfredo Jose Garcia, 32, tried to walk away as soon as he spotted officers but was arrested.

During a search, officers found a gun in Garcia’s waistband and suspected cocaine in his pocket.

WPD said Garcia had two loaded magazines in his car.

Garcia was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on charges of felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and possession of a controlled substance.

Garcia’s bail was set at $25,000.

“We’d like to thank the resident who alerted us to this armed man. Because of this person’s actions, our officers were able to disarm and arrest Garcia without anyone getting hurt. We appreciate all the community members who help us keep this city safe,” said WPD.