Capitola Kohl’s robbery suspect is in police custody

A man is in police custody after being accused of robbing the Kohl’s at the Capitola Mall.

Police say the suspect tried to stab the department store’s “Loss Prevention Agents” who tried to stop him.

Capitola Police said Gerardo Torres walked out of Kohl’s with stolen merchandise, pushed past the store’s agents and then attempted to stab both with a box cutter.

34-year old Gerardo Orozoco Torres is in jail for armed robbery and suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Neither of the two Koh;’s Loss Prevention Agents who tried to stop the suspect were hurt.

Detective Leo Moreno of the Capitola Police Department said, “The agent, fearing for his safety, retreated. The suspect then walked toward the second agent and at that point the second agent retreated, also fearing for his safety.”

Detective Moreno said the agents were not carrying guns.

Within minutes, Torres drove off and Capitola Police activated Project ROPE.

Detective Moreno said, “When we activate Project ROPE, which is a country wide… and agencies within the country have designated areas to be on the lookout for suspect vehicles or suspects.”

Law enforcement posted up along various roadways and, thanks to teamwork, officers caught Torres in Watsonville. Police say he stole 280 dollars worth of merchandise.

During holiday sales Detective Moreno reminds shoppers to be aware of what is going on.

Detective Moreno said, “Not play hero, and be a good reporter, and call police right away and get yourself to safety.”

The investigation is ongoing. Capitola police ask for any witnesses to come forward and talk with police.

Neither Kohl’s nor Capitola Mall would comment on the robbery.

Capitola Police said they are still going to review store surveillance.