WATSONVILLE — A Watsonville man was arrested Thursday after police found 30 guns at his residence, along with ammunition and burglary tools, Watsonville Police Sgt. Juan Trujillo said.
Some of the guns are believed to be from the burglary of Markley’s Gun Shop on Oct. 4.
Jim Rodriguez, 41, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms, possession of ammunition and possession of burglary tools. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Jim Rodriguez
Watsonville police officers, with the assistance of the Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reduction Enforcement Team, served a search warrant at Rodriguez’ residence at about 4:15 p.m.
There, investigators found nine guns, various items of suspected stolen property including high-end bicycles, electronics and clothing.
They also found more than 20 pounds of marijuana packaged for sale, body armor, and a high capacity magazine.
Investigators followed up on the case and that Rodriguez had a second residence.
A search of that residence resulted in the seizure of 21 additional firearms, including a high-powered rifle, an illegal shotgun, a Taser, and several handguns, one of which was outfitted with a homemade silencer.
They also found marijuana packaged for sale, suspected methamphetamine, and construction equipment that is believed to be stolen.
The Watsonville Police Department will hold a public viewing of the stolen property in the near future to give theft victims an opportunity to claim their items.
