Deputies Arrest Man Carrying Narcotics, Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop Near Watsonville

WATSONVILLE (CBS SF) -- A traffic stop near Watsonville resulted in the arrest of a 37-year-old man after Monterey County sheriff's deputies found a gun and drugs inside his car Friday, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies had conducted a traffic stop for vehicle code violations in the unincorporated community of Pajaro, which is located near the Monterey County and Santa Cruz County lines.

The driver, later identified as Marina resident Michael Turcotte, was found to be on active Post Release Community Supervision, according to sheriff's officials.

Deputies then conducted a search of his vehicle and discovered a loaded handgun and narcotics possessed for sales, sheriff's officials said.

Deputies arrested Turcotte on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance while armed, being a felon in possession of a firearm, being a person prohibited from owning ammunition, possession of a controlled substance for sale and violating post release supervision.

Turcotte was booked into the Monterey County Jail, according to sheriff's officials said.

Crime