TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING ELDERLY WOMAN AT BANK

Published: 02/01/2024

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER ROBBING ELDERLY WOMAN AT BANK

 

RIVERSIDE, CA – On Monday, January 29, 2024 at approximately 1:17 p.m., an elderly woman arrived at the Bank of America, located in the 300 block of E. Alessandro Boulevard in the Mission Grove neighborhood of Riverside, to make an ATM deposit of a large amount of cash.  Once out of her vehicle, the victim was approached by two suspects who demanded her money while pointing a handgun at her.  A struggle occurred over the money and one of the suspects fired his gun.  They stole the victim’s money then fled in a silver Kia sedan.  Fortunately, the woman was not struck by gunfire but was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

 

Thanks to observant witnesses, a description of the suspects and their vehicle was provided to our Public Safety Communications Center, who relayed the information to responding police officers.  A patrol officers spotted the fleeing suspect vehicle going south on the 215 Freeway, and a pursuit ensued into Moreno Valley.  The suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled into an apartment complex in the 24000 block of Cottonwood Avenue where they barricaded themselves.  With assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, both suspects surrendered after approximately 90 minutes.

 

Detectives obtained and served a search warrant at the apartment and located evidence linking the suspects to the armed robbery, including two handguns, one of which is believed to have been used during the commission of this crime.

Both suspects are known gang members from Moreno Valley.  18-year-old Master Snell was arrested and later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for attempted murder, armed robbery, and aggravated elder abuse.  He is being held on one million dollars bail.

 

The second suspect is a 17-year-old male juvenile who was later booked into a Riverside County juvenile detention facility for attempted murder, armed robbery, aggravated elder abuse, and felony evading.

 

Detectives believe these suspects may have been involved in similar robberies targeting elderly victims carrying cash to or from an ATM in Riverside and Moreno Valley.  Anyone with additional information regarding this armed robbery investigation and arrests is urged to contact Detective Anthony Watkins at (951) 353-7105 or [email protected], or Detective Richard Glover at (951) 353-7134 or [email protected].

 

Those wishing to remain anonymous can email [email protected], or download and use the Riverside Police Department’s “Atlas 1” mobile app by utilizing the “Send a Message” feature.  Our app can be downloaded here at APPLE or ANDROID.

 

MAKE LIFE HARDER FOR CRIMINALS.  Here are a few simple precautions you can take to lessen your chances of becoming a victim, especially if you are a senior.

• Always be alert and aware your surroundings and of the people around you. 
• If making a deposit or withdrawal of a large amount of money, do it inside the bank and bring someone with you.
• Be aware of locations and situations that would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots. 
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend. 
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible. 
• Walk confidently, and at a steady pace. 
• Make eye contact with people when walking. 
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street, continue walking. 
• If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and your body. 
• Stay up-to-date concerning personal security and prevention tactics.