Gilroy
– Detectives are seeking an unknown man suspected in four Gilroy
robberies and three attempted robberies during the past six weeks.
The robberies may be linked, said Gilroy Police Detective Stan
Devlin, and have generally targeted businesses during the morning
when they open.
Gilroy – Detectives are seeking an unknown man suspected in four Gilroy robberies and three attempted robberies during the past six weeks. The robberies may be linked, said Gilroy Police Detective Stan Devlin, and have generally targeted businesses during the morning when they open.
An artist’s sketch released Thursday depicts one suspect, a 25 to 30-year-old Hispanic man with medium to heavy build and a distinctive tattoo: a pair of lips on his neck, like a lipstick mark from a woman’s kiss.
The first incident occurred at 10:15am on Feb. 22 outside of Pizza Hut, 1171 First St. A tan car pulled up behind a female driver, a Pizza Hut employee who had just pulled into the driveway. The passenger got out, asked the woman to open her window, then smashed the window with a dark handgun and stole her purse when she refused. Devlin said the man likely thought the woman was carrying cash for the business.
Subsequent incidents have occurred at Der Wienerschnitzel and Washington Mutual Bank, both on First Street, Franco’s Imports on Old Gilroy Street, Wells Fargo Bank and Pink Elephant Bakery, both on 10th Street.
Most of the robberies and attempted robberies have involved multiple people, including a driver of a getaway car. Twice, police recovered stolen vehicles used in the commission of the crimes, unoccupied and still running a few blocks from the scene. Both vehicles were stolen the same day as the crime, one from Salinas and one from the Caltrain parking lot in Gilroy. The robbers’ faces were obscured during some of the incidents.
Devlin advised business owners to stay aware of their surroundings when opening and closing their stores, and to call 911 if they spot the suspect.
Anyone with information may contact Devlin at 846-0335 or the anonymous tip line at 846-0330.
