Suspected gang member found with weapons

PAJARO — A suspected Watsonville gang member who was on probation with weapon, alcohol and gang prohibitions was arrested Thursday after he was found intoxicated, associating with other gang members and hiding weapons, the Watsonville Police Department said.

According to the WPD, Bryan Ponciano, 19, was seen by a police officer loitering with two other suspected gang members at a liquor store on Porter Drive.

Ponciano allegedly ran to a nearby gate and appeared to discard items and then tried to hide, police said.

The officer looked around the gate and found a knife and gun. Ponciano was arrested and charged with firearm violations, a probation violation and a gang enhancement. He was in Santa Cruz County Jail on $25,000, court records showed.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Watsonville Police Department Investigations Bureau at 768-3352 or the anonymous tip line at 768-3544.



Share on Facebook