Three people from Watsonville with suspected gang ties arrested on weapons charges, police say

WATSONVILLE, CALIF. (KION-TV)- On Wednesday night, Watsonville Police said they arrested three men who allegedly have suspected gang ties have been arrested after a multi-agency operation that started on Tuesday

Police said that 29-year-old Francisco Rocha. Rocha was suspected to be holding guns and had given one to a minor.

While officers tried detaining him at Seacliff State Beach, Rocha fled from officers and also resisted arrest. A gun was also found on him while being detained.

Rocha was arrested and booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail for felony possession of a firearm, providing a juvenile with a gun, resisting arrest, and gang participation.

After Rocha's arrest, a search warrant was served at his home on the 100 block of Stanford Street. Investigators said that 18-year-old Gabriel Tapia was found at the home and arrested for illegally having a gun.

Police said that 20-year-old Giovanni Aburto was also a suspect in this case. Aburto was arrested after officers served a second search warrant on the 800 block of Vista Montaña Drive.

Aburto is a known gang member and had several outstanding warrants. He was arrested and booked booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.