Watsonville police arrest pharmacy robber

A Watsonville man was arrested after allegedly robbing a pharmacy and then hiding out in a residence. On Monday just before 2 p.m., Watsonville police officers were sent to Valle Verde Pharmacy at 240 Green Valley Road to respond to a silent robbery alarm.

Policen said they discovered Michael Cervantes had entered the pharmacy and demanded employees lay down on the floor. Cervantes, 28, was charged with robbery, a felony. He was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Cervantes had one of the employees load a bag he was carrying with various prescription pain medication, according to police. Cervantes then fled the scene, police said.

During the officer’s response, police received information about a possible suspect driving from the scene. The vehicle was followed to the area of Orange Blossom Way, where the suspect was seen entering a residence.

Police officers converged on the residence and because of the nature of the alleged crime, officers with the department’s Special Response Unit responded to secure the area. An armored vehicle was brought to the scene from Santa Cruz PD. The vehicle was used to safely approach the residence and call the suspect out of the residence.

After a short time, Cervantes, walked out to of the residence and was arrested without incident, police said. Inside the house, officers said they discovered stolen property from the robbery along with other items of evidence. Anyone with further information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the WPD Investigation Division at (831) 768.3350, or the Crime Tip Line at (831) 768.3544.