Watsonville Police investigate homicide near Airport Boulevard

Watsonville police said they’re investigating a homicide Wednesday night, after two shootings within about an hour of each other. Detectives said a male teen was shot multiple times near Ross Avenue and Airport Boulevard. So far, investigators said have very little information from witnesses to go on.

Police said they are looking for an older two-door black Honda Civic with a heavy set, dark-skinned male passenger. Officers believe the shooting is gang motivated.

The deadly shooting happened across from Watsonville Fire Department Station 2. Firefighters heard the gunshots and ran outside to help the victim. The victim was flown to a Bay Area hospital but officers said he died during the flight.

About an hour before the shooting, the Santa Cruz Sheriff’s Department said it responded to a call of shots fired in Freedom near Bowker Road. Deputies said no one was hurt during that shooting. Watsonville police said they’re working closely with the sheriff’s department to gather information.