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Crime

Attempt Murder Investigation Continues

Edgar Ibarra, 20 years old, has been arrested by the Watsonville Police Department for attempted murder in relation to this investigation.    Watsonville Police have obtained a $750,000 Warrant for the second suspect in this case, Alex Rugerio,19 years old (Photograph Attached)   Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the WPD Investigations Unit (831) 768-3352 or the Crime Tip Line at (831) 768-3544.   If he is seen call 9-1-1.  Rugerio is considered armed and dangerous.  Do not try and apprehend.

Teens try to break into Minty White School

On 05-12-13 at approximately 1737 hrs, Officers were dispatched to Minty White School (515 Palm Ave) for two suspicious subjects dressed in black near the portable classrooms. Due to the high amount of burglaries that have been occurring at the schools around the city, Officers responded and surrounded the school. The first officer on the school grounds quickly came across two suspect prying open a window to one of the probable classrooms. The suspects fled from that officer toward California St where they ran into another waiting officer. They attempted to flee toward Brewington Ave but were cut off again. Both suspects were quickly apprehended without incident.

Both suspects were juvenile males one was 15 years old and the other was 16. They were arrested for burglary, resisting arrest, burglary tools and violation of probation.

Gun Take Back Events In Santa Cruz County

WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- Santa Cruz County law enforcement took action on Saturday to make the Central Coast a little safer.

Law enforcement agencies held five gun take-back programs, but the outcome wasn't quite what they expected.

At the program in Watsonville, there were only four citizens who relinquished five rifles and two shotguns. While that doesn't seem like much compared to a recent Monterey County buy-back program that collected over 500 guns, every little bit helps.

"If one of these firearms was taken from a burglary, or something, it would be tragic. If we can save that one case, it was worth the whole afternoon," said Terry Traub of Watsonville Police.

Working the whole afternoon in an attempt to get guns off the street does no harm when the cost is little to none.

"It's very cost effective," he said.

Shooting into an occupied residence

On 05/07/13 at about 2330 hours, Watsonville Police Officers were notified of a shooting into an occupied residence in the area of the 200 Blk of Sunnyhills Dr. Officers located a scene in which there was evidence of a shooting in this mulit family residential complex. Officers located one building that had been struck with multiple rounds from a firearm. At least one bullet entered a residence occupied by a family. No on in the residence was injured as a result of the shooting.

Anyone with information regarding this case is strongly encouraged to call the Watsonville Police Department Crime Tip line at 728-3544 or the Watsonville Police Department Investigation Bureau at 768-3352

Watsonville Woman Arrested After Five Car Pile Up in Live Oak

LIVE OAK, Calif. - Police arrested a 49-year-old woman after she collided with four other cars on Capitola Road Monday afternoon. Investigators said Karen Holthus, a Watsonville resident, was driving a Ford Windstar mini-van near Capitola Road and 7th Ave when the wreck happened.

According to police, the driver of a 1996 Ford Probe suffered lacerations to his head. The 30-year-old man from Santa Cruz was transported to Dominican Hospital for moderate injuries.

During the investigation, police were able to conclude that Holthus was under the influence of drugs. She was arrested and lodged in the county jail for driving under the influence of drugs.

The other drivers, a 33-year-old woman from Santa Cruz, a 47-year-old from Felton and a 22-year-old woman from Santa Cruz, were all involved but did not suffer any injuries.

The cause of the crash is under investigation.

 

Watsonville Market Robbed At Gunpoint

WATSONVILLE, Calif. -- Three male suspects robbed a convenience store at gunpoint in Watsonville Sunday night, according to Watsonville Police.

Officers say the suspects entered the Quick Stop Market on Freedom Boulevard, one of them armed with a shotgun, and demanded cash from the registers. The store clerk reported the suspects took off with the registers, which contained an undisclosed amount of cash. Police say the suspects fled on Freedom Boulevard in a dark colored sedan.

During the preliminary investigation, officers learned the clerk observed a suspicious male standing near the front entrance, who was wearing a mask. Police say the unknown male then retreated to the side of the building, while the clerk attempted to secure the doors. The clerk was able to lock himself in a back room.

Armed Robbery At Watsonville Bank; Police Search For 2 Suspects

WATSONVILLE, Calif. - The search is on for two suspects following an armed robbery at a bank in Watsonville.

It happened at the Comerica Bank in the 1900 block of Main Street shortly after 2:30 p.m. Monday.

According to Watsonville police, two masked men with guns entered the bank and demanded money. After getting an unknown amount of cash, the two hopped into a 2000 Cadillac Escalade and took off.

Police said they found the SUV in Watsonville, but the suspects are still on the run. They said the SUV was reported stolen out of Salinas Sunday night.

Police said there were six customers and 10 employees inside the bank at the time of the robbery. No one was hurt.

The first suspect is described as being 5'10 to 6'0" tall with a thin build. He was wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and tan gloves. His face was covered with a black mask.