Full Notification

WHAT: Arrest for Attempted Robbery

WHEN: April 26, 2017

WHERE: 1945 La Jolla, Grover Beach

SUSPECT: Benjamin Genova, 34 Year old Resident of Grover Beach

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Sergeant Chad Pfarr

On January 9, 2016, the Police Department responded to a robbery in progress at 1291 Laurel, Laurel Lane Liquor. Responding officers were unable to locate the suspect during the initial investigation. Officers did find a face mask and a toy gun that were both dropped by the suspect as he ran from the store.

In April, 2016, San Luis Obispo investigators began working with the Department of Justice laboratory to process those items for DNA evidence. In June, 2016, a DNA profile was extracted from the mask and a comparison swab was collected pursuant to a search warrant from Genova. In February, 2017, the Department of Justice lab matched the DNA extracted from the mask to Genova. The Police Department worked with the District Attorney’s Office who filed 459 PC – Burglary and 664/211 PC – Attempted Robbery charges against Genova. An warrant was issued earlier this week for Genova’s arrest.

On April 26, 2017, investigators from San Luis Obispo Police Department were assisted by the Grover Beach Police Department in taking Genova into custody at his residence in Grover Beach. Genova was booked at the County Jail with bail set at $25,000.

This arrest should serve as a reminder that the Police Department continues to work cases even when an extended period of time has passed.

If you have any information about this crime you are encouraged to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department at 805-781-7312 or Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP.