Watsonville gang member arrested after traffic stop

A Watsonville gang member is facing several charges after being caught with a loaded gun during a traffic stop.

According to Watsonville police, a sergeant pulled over 30-year-old Pedro Rocha for having expired tags on Saturday night. That’s when the sergeant smelled marijuana coming from within the car.

During a search of Rocha’s car, police found a semi-automatic pistol. Rocha isn’t allowed to have the gun because of a prior conviction. The gun was inside the center console. Police also found several jars with marijuana inside along with a digital scale.

Rocha was arrested and taken to jail on charges including possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person and possession of marijuana for sales.