Suspected gang member had loaded gun, authorities say

March 03--SANTA CRUZ -- An 18-year-old Santa Cruz man was arrested Thursday in connection with having a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol with a removed serial number, gang writings and drawings and a gun-cleaning kit, a Santa Cruz County Anti Crime Team spokesman said Friday.

Justin Castillo faces charges of carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle, carrying a concealed firearm while participating in a criminal street gang, altering or defacing a weapon's serial number, and participation and promotion of a criminal street gang, Commander George Rivera said.

Members of the task force saw Castillo driving on Soquel Avenue near La Fonda Avenue about 2:40 p.m. Thursday and the officers stopped the vehicle, Rivera said. The officers, who had warrants to search his home, searched the vehicle and found the pistol in the center console, he said.

Castillo was detained and the investigation continued to his home at the 100 block of Felker Street.

Gang writings and drawings, and a gun-cleaning kit, were found at the home, Rivera said.

Anyone with information about the case or any gang-related crimes can call the task force at 831-454-2320.

Bail was set at $25,000. Castillo remained at Santa Cruz County Jail on Friday afternoon, according to jail records.

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