Police Say Pacific Grove Teen Armed With Gun Took Selfie With Robbery Victim
PACIFIC GROVE (CBS SF) -- An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbing multiple people at gunpoint at Lovers Point Park in Pacific Grove and then taking a selfie with one of the victims, according to a regional crime task force.
Victor Almanza-Martinez was arrested following the robbery reported at 1:12 a.m. Wednesday.
Almanza-Martinez, along with two other assailants, approached a vehicle with four people inside, according to the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team.
Task force officials said the suspects then ordered the four victims out of the car at gunpoint, robbed them of their property and stole their vehicle.
Almanza-Martinez took a selfie with one of the victims during the robbery and sent the picture to the victim through a text message service before fleeing the scene. Investigators did not specify whether the suspects knew the victims.
Detectives with the task force were able to identify Almanza-Martinez in the picture despite the fact that he was wearing a bandana that covered his face.
At about 11:45 a.m., task force detectives conducted a probation search in the 10000 block of Axtell Street in Castroville, where they apprehended Almanza-Martinez without incident.
Task force officials said he was taken to Monterey County Jail, where he is being held on suspicion of armed robbery, kidnapping, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, violation of probation and gang enhancements. His bail was set at $170,000.
Investigators described the other two suspects as Hispanic men in their early 20s who are still at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.
The victim's 2013 black Chrysler 200 with no license plates is still missing.
No injuries were reported and the robbery remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact the task force at (831) 646-6926.
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