Brothers Arrested For Terrorizing San Jose Street Vendors
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Two San Jose brothers have been arrested for a string of armed robberies that targeted street vendors in the city, authorities announced Friday.
Detectives said they have taken 24-year-old Michaelangelo Cortez Lopez and 19-year-old Richard Cortez Lopez into custody in connection with at least 13 armed robberies of San Jose street vendors that occurred between July 30th and September 16th.
Several of these victims reported being beaten and pistol whipped during the incidents before having their money, phone and food items taken.
"These suspects viciously targeted a segment of our society that needed our help the most," said Sergeant Jaime Jiménez of the Robbery Unit in a prepared statement. "Immigrant groups already face numerous challenges and this criminal victimization does nothing to help their integration into the social embroidery of our City."
Robbery detectives worked tirelessly for two months investigating the string of robberies, which included interviewing victims and witnesses, gathering physical evidence and conducting surveillance.
On Wednesday, robbery unit detectives and members of the Covert Response Unit located and arrested the Lopez brothers at their residence in East San Jose.
Police said the investigation is ongoing. Detectives believe additional crimes may have gone unreported and request any information which would help identify additional victims.
Please forward any information to Detective Enrique Hernandez #3690 or Detective Juan Hernandez #3898 at the San Jose Police Department's Robbery Unit at (408)277-4166.
Persons wishing to remain anonymous may either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867), or click the "Submit a Tip" link below. Persons providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect may be eligible for a CASH REWARD from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers.
