SLPD and YCSO investigating armed robberies, suspect descriptions similar in all incidents
The San Luis Police Department is investigating two armed robberies that occurred this week.
The recent of the two robberies occurred early Wednesday morning just before 2:00 a.m. Officials say a man was in his vehicle at Second Avenue and E Street,l when a suspect approached him and assaulted the victim with pepper spay, then pulled out a gun and demanded the victim’s wallet. According to SLPD the victim suffered minor injuries and the suspect was able to get away in a black SUV.
The suspect in this case was described as 5 feet 10 inches or 6 feet tall and is said to have been wearing a ski mask and gloves.
The first incident happened around 1:20 a.m. Monday morning. SLPD Officers responded to a call at Panchita’s Restaurant on Second Avenue regarding a man who demanded money from a restaurant employee and proceeded to pull out a gun. Officials say the suspect left the restaurant without any money, but the suspect did damage restaurant property as he left.
The suspect was described as being 5 feet 10 inches tall with a thin build. The suspect described in this incident is said to also have been wearing a black ski mask and gloves.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating an attempted armed robbery. Officials say they responded to East Highway 95 and Avenue 8 1/2 East in reference to an armed robbery. The victim told deputies that he was sleeping in the bed of his truck waiting to go to work when a male wearing dark clothing and a ski mask approached him.
He sprayed the victim with pepper spray and demanded money. Officials say the suspect pulled out a gun and fired two gunshots, both hitting the victim’s vehicle. The victim was able to leave the area and call for help. The suspect is said to have fled the scene in a black SUV.
Officials have not said if they believe any of these cases are related.
These cases remain under investigation. Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact the San Luis Police Department, directly contact Detective Richard Jessup at 928-341-2420, or contact the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 783-4427. You can also contact 78-CRIME to remain anonymous.
