Gilroy armed robbery suspect arrested

Police arrested a man suspected of armed robbery at a Gilroy Pizza Hut, Friday night. Izaak Diaz, 24, allegedly entered the business on the 1100 block of First Street at around 4:26 pm.

Gilroy police say he was brandishing a gun as an employee was putting money in the business’ safe. The suspect demanded money and the employee ran to the back of the business out of fear. Diaz allegedly ran off without any money or property.

Police found a person matching the description of the suspect, inside a blue 2007 Volkswagen Jetta parked near the Garlic City Club Casino, on the 8600 block of San Ysidro Avenue. They attempted to pull the vehicle over, but Diaz fled.

Diaz then reportedly led police on a high-speed chase through Gilroy and into Hollister. Spike strips were deployed on Highway 101, deflating Diaz’ tires. Authorities brought the vehicle to a stop on Highway 101 near the San Martin exit. He was taken into custody with the help of a Morgan Hill Police Department K9.

Diaz was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on Armed Robbery and Felony Evading charges.

Other armed robberies the past week in Gilroy:

Case 17-6675

On December 24, 2017, at 6:52 p.m., officers from the Gilroy Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Best Western Park Inn hotel, located on the 300 block of Leavesley Road. A male suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the business and demanded money from the desk clerk. The suspect fled the business with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect was described as a white male adult, approximately 20 years old, six feet tall and medium build, and green eyes. The suspect wore a black hooded jacket, green baseball cap.

Case 17-6694

On December 26, 2017, at 9:35 p.m., officers from the Gilroy Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Wienerschnitzel, located on the 700 block of First Street. A male suspect entered the business and demanded money from the cashier, while displaying a handgun. The suspect fled the business with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect was described as a light-skin Hispanic male, 5’9″ tall and 150-160 lbs., with red colored facial hair. The suspect wore a grey jacket, blue jeans, grey beanie cap, and tan colored boots.

Case 17-6744

On December 28, 2017, at 9:13 p.m., officers from the Gilroy Police Department responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Little Caesars Pizza, located on the 1300 block of First Street. A male suspect entered the business and demanded money from the cashier, while displaying a handgun. The suspect fled the business with an undisclosed amount of money.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, 5’4″ tall and a thin build. The suspect wore a teal hooded sweater, blue jeans, grey beanie cap, and white shoes.

Gilroy Police Detectives are actively investigating these cases. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Gilroy Police Department at (408) 846-0350. Information can be left anonymously.