The Turlock Police Department believes they have captured the people responsible for multiple armed robberies in the downtown area over the last week.
Jeremy Lopez, 21, and a 17-year-old boy were arrested for eight counts of robbery, conspiracy and possession of a loaded firearm, said Turlock Police spokesperson Lt. Neil Cervenka.
The robberies began shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday, when two armed suspects approached a man and a woman sitting in their vehicle in the area of Red Brick on S. Broadway. The robbers stole cash and property from the couple and fled the area in a white Honda.
The second robbery was reported at 12:04 a.m. Monday in the 100 block of W. Main Street, which is near The Udder Place. Once again, a couple was targeted for the robbery. In this case, a lone suspect, armed with a handgun approached a man and a woman standing by their car. The robber took cash and property and fled the area in what was described as a white four-door sedan.
In both robberies, the suspects were described as Hispanic men in their early 20s, wearing hoodies.
Believing the two robberies to be connected, the Turlock Police Department’s Crime and Information Analyst distributed photos of the described vehicle to all of the department’s patrol division.
A third robbery occurred shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday in the 300 block of N. Center Street. Two people out walking were approached by two armed men and robbed of cash and property, including a cell phone.
About 30 minutes later, three more people were robbed at gunpoint in the 100 block of W. Main Street. Officers were investigating the second robbery when the victims of the first robbery called the Turlock Police Department to report the crime.
The description of the robbers and the vehicle used to flee the scene matched that of the previous robberies.
Just after midnight Friday, the victim whose cell phone had been stolen hours prior used a tracking application and learned his phone was in the 2100 block of W. Main Street. He let Turlock Police Department know this new information and patrol officers responded to the area. The officers located Lopez, and the 17-year-old in a white Honda Civic. Officers attempted to stop them, but they fled the parking lot leading officers on a very short pursuit, eventually surrendering a few blocks away.
A loaded handgun and a replica handgun were located inside the vehicle.
Detectives were notified and responded to the scene. During interviews with a detective, Lopez confessed to all four robberies, Cervenka said.
“Once again, I am so impressed with the teamwork displayed by the men and women of the Turlock Police Department together with our citizens, which resulted in the apprehension of these criminals,” said Chief Nino Amirfar. “Your officers’ commitment to the safety and well-being of our community is paramount.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call Detective Frank Navarro 209-664-7319. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
