Police arrest Santa Paula man found with drugs and loaded firearm

Santa Paula police arrested a man suspected to be wielding a firearm while under the influence of narcotics, authorities said Wednesday.

Police said they were contacted at 9:17 p.m. Tuesday about the man at a Chevron gas station at 983 E. Harvard Blvd.

Officers said they arrived with assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, surrounded the area and made contact with Miguel Hurtado, 39, of Santa Paula.

Officers confronted Hurtado and tried to arrest him, but he retreated into the gas station convenience store, police said. He eventually exited and was taken into custody, police said.

A search of Hurtado’s jacket uncovered a loaded firearm and narcotics, police said. Additionally, a witness confirmed to police that Hurtado fired the gun before entering the gas station, authorities said.

Hurtado was arrested on suspicion of multiple felony charges, including possession of a loaded firearm, possession of narcotics, negligent discharge of a firearm and being under the influence of narcotics in possession of a firearm, police said.

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