Neighborhood Market armed robbery suspect sought

January 23, 2009
Santa Paula Police Department
By Peggy Kelly Santa Paula TimesSanta Paula Police have released a surveillance photo of the suspect in at least two area market armed robberies, including one that occurred Wednesday evening.According to SPPD Det. Ken Clark the Jan. 21 robbery was reported at 6:39 p.m. and “Officers responded to Neighborhood Market,” located at 602 N. 12th St.The clerk told Officers that the suspect entered the market, walked to a display, “grabbed two packages of cookies,” walked to the front counter and “showed the handgun.”The suspect demanded money from the top drawer of the register and underneath the drawer.“The suspect takes the money, grabs the victim’s cell phone from on top of the register, points the handgun towards the victim” and fled, running north on 12th Street with an undisclosed amount of cash.Responding Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.Det. Clark said the suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 5’ 7” to 5’ 11”, 160 pounds, with a “noticeable scar on his forehead.”The suspect was wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt, white T-shirt, faded blue jeans, white tennis shoes with black shoelaces, and black knitted gloves.Det. Clark said the robbery is possibly related to the Jan. 5 armed robbery of Central Market, located at 1100 E. Main St., about a block away from Neighborhood Market.
“It’s the same MO, same description,” of the lone gunman, who was armed with a small caliber handgun, similar to a Raven, Sedco or Davis.Video surveillance cameras captured both robberies.The suspect is considered “Armed and dangerous...he does have a handgun,” and people are warned not to approach if they believe they see the subject.After the Jan. 5 Central Market robbery, Lt. Juarez said safety is an issue: “We encourage people involved in this type of situation to be compliant with the person’s demand and just be a very good witness,” by trying to remember a physical description of the suspect as well as other aspects of the incident.Those confronted, he added, should “Not take any personal actions to put themselves or the public in further danger.”The SPPD is also requesting those with any information or who might have seen someone running in the area or entering any type of vehicle during the robbery timeframe to contact SPPD Detectives at 525-4474 or Det. Clark directly at 525-4474 ext 121.If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous they can contact the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.Those with information can also call Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477). Callers remain anonymous and can collect a $1,000 reward if information offered results in a conviction.



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