San Pablo police arrested a man believed to be behind two armed attacks that happened within minutes of each other on Saturday evening, Dec. 13.
Just before 7 p.m., officers were sent to a business in the 2500 block of San Pablo Dam Road where an employee reported a suspect had earlier tried to steal alcohol. The suspect came back about 30 minutes later, pulled a firearm on the employee as he tried to get into the locked cashier area, and got into a brief physical struggle. The suspect failed to get inside and ran off, police said.
Minutes later, at about 7:08 p.m., police were called to Riverside Avenue at Ventura Avenue for an armed robbery. A man working outside told officers an unknown suspect approached, showed a gun and demanded his money. The suspect took the victim’s wallet and fled on foot.
Officers circulated the area and soon spotted a man, later identified as 53-year-old transient Yinfres Vega, walking in the parking lot of a nearby shopping plaza. Vega was detained without incident, and a loaded handgun was found in his pants pocket.
Using evidence from both scenes and the close timing and location of the two incidents, investigators determined Vega was likely responsible for both armed robberies. Police also learned he had a felony warrant out of Merced County.
Vega was taken to Contra Costa County Jail and booked on multiple robbery and firearms-related charges.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SPPD Investigations Division at 510-215-3150.