A Hollister man and his get-away-driver were arrested after a
strong-arm robbery on Third Street, police said.
Morgan Hill – A Hollister man and his get-away-driver were arrested after a strong-arm robbery on Third Street, police said.
Vincent Contreras, 28, was arrested on suspicion of strong-arm robbery and possession of stolen property. Lupe Varelas, 36, of Morgan Hill was driving the “get-away car,” Morgan Hill Police Cmdr. Joe Sampson said, and was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting in the commission of a felony.
The victim, Marina resident John Simmons, 49, was in a downtown liquor store about 7:40pm. According to Simmons’ statement to police, he was getting ready to make a purchase and Contreras, behind him, asked Simmons why he had cut in line, telling him to show some respect.
Simmons let Contreras move ahead of him and when it was Simmons’ turn to pay, he pulled out a money clip that contained about $2,000 in $100 bills. Contreras apparently saw the money before he left the store, police said.
After making his purchase, Simmons walked east on Third Street when he noticed Contreras waiting by a garbage can behind the store. Contreras began haranguing Simmons further about disrespecting him in the store, Sampson said.
“He tried to walk faster, but Contreras continued to come after him,” Sampson said. But Contreras caught up with him, grabbed him, pulled his shirt over his head and started fighting with him, Sampson said.
Contreras snatched the money and ran behind a nearby restaurant. Simmons was able to get a partial license plate number before the Honda sped off.
Police work led to Varelas address, where they found the pair in the car parked in the driveway.
Contreras was tased after he tried to flee, and Varelas was arrested without incident.
Officers found Simmons’ driver’s license, two debit cards with his’ business name on them, $1,000 in cash and a $600 check belonging to Simmons.
