Selfie-incriminating evidence leads to robbery arrest
Authorities on the Peninsula are asking for the public’s help finding two additional robbery and kidnapping suspects who held up victims at Lover’s Point Park in Pacific Grove on Wednesday morning. They’ve already nabbed one of the suspects thanks to a device you have in your pocket.
Most of our smartphones have cameras, and you know that old saying – “A picture is worth a thousand words.” According to authorities, the one word that comes up in this particular case is busted.
Victor Almanza-Martinez, 18, of Castroville was arrested after police say he and two other men robbed four people at Lover’s Point Park. They say the men robbed the victims of their things and their car, a Chrysler 200. Then police say, “But first, let me take a selfie.”
“There were some conversations between one of the victims and one of the suspects and a suspect took a selfie with one of the victims,” said Pacific Grove Police Commander Rory Lakind.
The suspect then sent the selfie-incriminating evidence to the victim, who in turn, turned it over to authorities.
Pacific Grove police handed the case to the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team, also called “PRVNT,” which was able to track down Almanza-Martinez.
He’s now at the Monterey County Jail, facing armed robbery, kidnapping, possession of stolen property and several other charges.
Authorities are still looking for the other two suspects and the victim’s stolen car, a 2013 black Chrysler 200 with no license plates. Officers declined to share the selfie that was taken during the robbery.
