Gang-Related Robberies: Four Gilroy Suspects Arrested in San Jose
San Jose police have arrested four males in connection with a series of strong-armed, gang-related robberies that occurred last summer.
The San Jose Police Department’s Gang Investigations Unit identified five suspects linked to at least five incidents of strong-arm robbery: Dominic Vaca, 19, Timothy Zambrano, 22, and Matthew Flores, 18, all from Gilroy, as well as a 17-year-old juvenile male suspect from Gilroy. Police are still seeking Alexis Orozco, the fifth suspect.
Authorities believe these suspects are associated with a gang based in Gilroy. The investigation began after police responded to a strong-armed robbery report on July 24 at approximately 8:24 p.m. in the 2200 block of Eastridge Loop in San Jose. According to reports, two males approached a juvenile victim, pushed him, and stole his gold necklace. The suspects displayed gang signs and shouted gang-related slurs before fleeing the scene.
The robbery is part of a pattern of similar crimes, with some incidents involving the suspects brandishing weapons, including firearms and knives. Initially targeting rival gang members, the suspects later expanded their focus to other vulnerable victims in San Jose.
With assistance from the Gilroy Police Department’s Anti-Crime Team and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, SJPD Gang Investigations Unit detectives secured arrest warrants for the suspects, along with search warrants for their residences.
Police executed these warrants, resulting in arrests in August, September, and October. Vaca, Flores, and Zambrano were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail, while the juvenile suspect was taken to Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall.
Anyone with information about these robberies or the whereabouts of Orozco is encouraged to contact Detective Peterson of the San Jose Police Department Gang Investigations Unit at 4953@sanjoseca.gov or call (408) 277-3835.
