Watsonville man arrested for threatening mother, child with assualt rifle

September 3, 2025 10:45 PM

Published September 3, 2025 10:34 PM

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) - A Watsonville man was charged with multiple felonies after threatening a mother and their child with an assault rifle.

According to Watsonville Police, officers responded to the 200 block of Ford Street on Monday morning as the suspect, Javier Lopez, had entered the home.

Lopez had pointed the rifle at the mom and child, but both were unharmed.

Watsonville officers responded as the suspect was spotted nearby. The suspect threw the loaded rifle into a slough while walking away from officers.

The assault rifle that was recovered during the search for Javier Lopez. Source: Watsonville Police

A perimeter was established with the aid of the California Highway Patrol and the Drone Team. After two hours, Lopez was found and arrested with the rifle recovered.

Lopez was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail, without bail, and facing multiple charges, from burglary to carrying a loaded firearm.