A man and woman face criminal weapons and drug charges after an arrest Sunday in Willowbrook Park in Aptos.
Citizens reported a suspicious van parked in the park for days and called the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies found Ian Macfarland, 32, and Cristina Nikolaou, 28, in the van when they arrived on the scene about 4 p.m.
Investigators found a black rifle case with a loaded semi-automatic assault rifle and full 30-round magazine. Deputies also found two more rifle magazines, a camouflage tactical jacket, locksmith kit and an antique pistol. They also discovered 13 loaded 30-round magazines and a large amount of other ammunition in a trailer attached to the van.
Deputies also discovered heroin and arrested Macfarland for weapons charges and possession of drugs. Nikolaou was charged with drug possession.
According to a news release Monday, both were taken to the Santa Cruz County Jail and the case was forwarded to the District Attorney’s office for possible prosecution.
