Third suspect arrested in connection to 2017 Watsonville shooting

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION) A third suspect has been arrested in connection to a 2017 attempted murder in Watsonville that injured one person.

Police arrested 23-year-old Armando Rodriguez Thursday morning in the 700 block of N. Branciforte Avenue in Santa Cruz.

Watsonville detectives said they got new information recently that linked Rodriguez to the shooting on Roosevelt Street. They believe Rodriguez, who they said is a known gang member, acted as the getaway driver for two suspects who shot at a man multiple times. The victim recovered from his injuries.

The two other suspects, Alejandro Flores and Jacob Hernandez, were arrested within a week of the shooting. They are in the Santa Cruz County Jail awaiting trial.

Rodriguez is also booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail now facing attempted murder charges.