A suspect who robbed a patron of a Hercules gas station on Monday was later located and arrested in front of Hercules High School, police said.
The incident occurred Monday when the gas station patron returned to his driver’s seat while his car was being fueled and began using his cellphone. A short time later, a male suspect opened the victim’s car door and tried to snatch the cellphone from him, police said.
After the victim pulled away, the suspect reached into his waistband as if he possessed a firearm, threatened to shoot the victim and then robbed him of cash, jewelry and his cell phone, according to police.
The suspect fled in a newer model Honda Accord with temporary license plates. The victim was able to obtain the license plate information and provide it to officers, police said.
Investigating officers obtained video surveillance and entered the suspect vehicle into the city’s Flock camera system. A short time later, officers were notified the suspect was traveling east on Refugio Valley Road. A vigilant patrol officers saw the suspect park in front of Hercules High, where he was taken into custody without disruption to school activities, police said.
Officers advise that drivers keep their doors locked and remain vigilant when their vehicles are stationary.
