SOLEDAD — An armed robbery at the Soledad Valley Liquors store on Front Street on Wednesday night led to the apprehension of three suspects, including two minors.
On July 10, Soledad officers were dispatched to the liquor store following a report of an armed robbery in progress.
Two 13-year-old males had entered the business, with one brandishing a large knife and demanding the clerk hand over everything. The situation escalated as the suspect “attempted to stab the clerk several times,” police said.
Officers, who were already in the vicinity, spotted the three suspects fleeing the scene on foot. A foot chase ensued, resulting in one of the minors being apprehended. The other two suspects split up and fled in different directions.
A perimeter was established with the assistance of the Greenfield and King City police departments, and the second minor suspect was located and arrested.
During the investigation, the third suspect was identified as 19-year-old Israel Villa.
Officers conducted a probation compliance check at Villa’s residence, where police said he “fought officers” before he was eventually taken into custody. The knife used in the robbery and attempted stabbing was recovered during the operation.
All three suspects were arrested. Villa was booked into the Monterey County Jail, while the two 13-year-old suspects were lodged into Juvenile Hall.
