SANTA CRUZ CO. (KRON) — Four alleged gang members were arrested after finding a loaded gun in their vehicle.
On Friday night, when deputies stopped a vehicle for an expired registration at the entrance of the fairgrounds, a passenger allegedly fled the scene on foot.
Three other suspects remained in the vehicle, according to sheriff’s deputies.
During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a loaded .44-caliber revolver in the glove box.
The three men were arrested at the scene of a traffic stop near Watsonville at the Santa Clara County Fairground, located at 2601 E. Lake Avenue.
Daniel Zavala-Aguilera, 19, Christopher Wall, 21, and Erik Aburto, 20, were arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, carrying a loaded gun, conspiracy and participation in a street gang, according to deputies.
The suspect who fled was later identified as Gerardo Patricio, 19. Deputies have requested a warrant for Patricio’s arrest.Bay City News contributed to this report.