Suspect in custody after standoff in Watsonville

UPDATE 8:21 p.m.: A man wanted for a parole violation is behind bars after a standoff Tuesday afternoon.

According to Watsonville Police, 39-year-old David Melgoza was spotted on Center Street and went inside a family member’s home when officers approached him. He refused to come out of the home for nearly three hours.

The department’s Special Response Team was then called out and helped convince Melgoza to surrender. He walked out of the home and was taken into custody.

Police said officers have had several encounters with Melgoza in the past.

Police said Melgoza was recently placed on parole for felony hit and run and felony reckless driving with great bodily injury.

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UPDATE: 5:57 p.m. WPD says the suspect is in custody.

7/2/19 – 5:36 p.m.

A standoff involving a barricaded man has blocked off a Watsonville street, Tuesday afternoon. People are being asked to avoid the 200 block of Center Street.

In a Facebook post, WPD says the man has barricaded himself inside a home.

This is a developing story.