Gang Member Arrested for Possession of Loaded Handgun

Julio Cesar Chavez, 21, of Santa Cruz was arrested around 8:15 p.m. Monday, after police discovered a loaded .22-caliber handgun with false registration tags and a small amount of marijuana hidden under the rear passenger seat of his car.

Chavez, a known gang member, was pulled over by officer Jose Garcia and his K-9, Layko, around the area of Rankin Street and Surfside Avenue in Santa Cruz.

After searching the exterior of the car for narcotics, Layko sniffed out potential narcotics within the car, resulting in a search of the vehicle where the narcotics and firearm were found.

Chavez was booked on charges of marijuana possession and possession of a loaded firearm, with a gang enhancement.