3 shot, 5 arrested in Watsonville drug deal

Three men were shot and and five were arrested after a drug sale turned violent in Watsonville. It happened on Sept. 28 just before midnight.

Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of a Food Maxx after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival they found Huberto Celaya, 25, with a laceration to his head, police said. He was treated at the scene.

Police officers then got another call about victims of a shooting near Ford and Kilburn Streets. Upon arrival, officers found three men with gunshot wounds. They were identified as Christopher Witherspoon, 24, Brian De La Rosa, 23, and Johnny Castro, 23. Police said they survived their injuries.

After further investigation, police determined Witherspoon, De La Rosa and Castro, from San Jose, were meeting Celaya in the parking lot of the Food Maxx to buy a large amount of marijuana. Police said Celaya was not alone. He was with another man identified as Raymond Padilla. Witherspoon, De La Rosa and Castro attempted to rob Celaya and Padilla. A shooting quickly erupted between both groups, police said.

All five men were eventually arrested for various charges ranging from attempted homicide, robbery and possession for sales of marijuana. Police said two guns, several pounds of marijuana and about $10,000 were seized during the investigation. All suspects were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail.

Detectives are in the process of serving another search warrant in Watsonville. Police said this could uncover more evidence that will link Padilla to the crime.

The California Department of Justice and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the investigation.