By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
A documented gang member who resisted a Santa Paula Police Officer’s attempt to stop him was arrested on suspicion of trying to get rid of a loaded firearm during a foot pursuit Saturday night, according to a SPPD spokesman.
Senior Officer Larry Johnson reported that a patrol officer spotted Christian Castaneda, 20, October 19 at about 11:25 p.m. in the area of Palm Avenue and Harvard Boulevard.
“Castaneda was known to the officer to be on active felony probation and a known and documented Santa Paula gang member,” and noted Johnson, “When the officer attempted to stop Castaneda he fled from the officer on foot.”
During a brief foot pursuit through a parking lot Castaneda discarded a loaded handgun, ran a short distance further to the area of Santa Anna Street, and then, reported Johnson, “gave up” to a pursuing officer.
Johnson noted that after checking the area SPPD Officers located the loaded handgun believed discarded by Castaneda during the foot pursuit.
Castaneda was arrested and later booked into Ventura County Main Jail on suspicion of multiple firearms violations, attempting to conceal or destroy evidence, and active participation in a criminal street gang.
