Calexico student allegedly beaten, robbed at knifepoint

A Calexico parent is very upset about the alleged robbery at knifepoint that happened just across her daughter’s school on Monday morning.

“it is very terrifying. I drop off my daughter here almost at eight o’clock. So, there’s a lot of movement around here. But the kids that come to band at seven in the morning they need some security if that’s going to be happening around here,” Karina Sanabria said.

Three Calexico High School students were walking to school on Monday morning when allegedly 19-year-old Jose Ambriz and a 16-year-old friend demanded their property.

Calexico Police officer Marco Mardueno said two students ran away but one was allegedly grabbed, beaten, and robbed at knifepoint.

“Brandishing a knife, punched him in the face, and they took his backpack by force,” Mardueno said.

Calexico police said the victim did the right thing in calling 911 immediately.

“He positively identified both of them as the two suspects involved in the robbery,” Mardueno said.

Calexico parent Karina Sanabria would like schools to inform parents about these incidents so they can protect their children better.

“To let us know what happened. And maybe get some security or maybe an officer to be here earlier before school starts and after school,” Sanabria said.

She wants schools to act now before more attacks on students happen.
“Security implemented here at the campus. For three kids to be attacked – it’s not right!” Sanabria said.

Ambriz and the teen friend are currently in custody facing armed robbery and conspiracy chargers.

“The two gang members are off the streets,” Mardueno said.