Type of Incident: 211 PC, Armed Robbery (Firearm)
Location: McDonalds at 8390 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy
Date: 02/172016
Time: 1246 Hours
Case #: 16-833
Arrested: Albert Lopez, 19 year old resident of Soledad,CA
Details:
On 02/17/2016 at about 1246 hours Gilroy Police Communications received a call of an armed robbery which had just occurred at the Mc Donalds Restaurant located at 8390 Arroyo Circle, Gilroy.
Responding officers began an area check for the suspect as the investigating officer arrived on scene to make contact with employees of the restaurant. The investigation revealed that the suspect, a lone male, entered the store and pointed a small caliber handgun at several employees as he demanded money. The suspect removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the register and fled the area on a bicycle. The employees were able to provide a physical description of the suspect and his clothing.
Two police K9s as well as the California Highway Patrol’s air unit assisted The Gilroy Police Department in the search for the suspect, who had last been seen traveling south on Arroyo Circle. The suspect information and clothing description was broadcast to officers to assist in their search for the suspect.
Within a few minutes of the robbery, officers located and detained Alberto Lopez (a Soledad, CA resident) in the area of Costco. Lopez matched the description of the suspect but was wearing clothing different than that which had been described by the Mc Donalds employees. Several witnesses to the robbery also provided suspect information, one of whom had observed Lopez remove the clothing worn during the robbery as well as the firearm and discard them. Witnesses were able to positively identify Lopez as the suspect in the robbery and officers were able to locate and collect the firearm and clothing as well as other evidence of the crime. Lopez was placed under arrest for armed robbery and a variety of other charges. He was booked at the Gilroy Police Facility then transported to the Santa Clara County Jail.
This case is a great example of community members and the police working together to get a very dangerous person off of the streets and into custody. It is through partnerships like this that we make Gilroy a safer place to live, work and play.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call Detective Cryar at 408-846-0350. Information can be left anonymously.
Media inquiries can be directed to 408-846-0347.
*End of Media Release*
