Monterey County robbery suspects arrested in Atascadero

September 30, 2015

Suspects from a Monterey County roadside robbery were arrested Tuesday at an Atascadero motel.

On Monday evening in the town of Chualar, which is about 10 miles southeast of Salinas, a 16-year-old girl flagged down a man while he was driving, according to a Monterey County Sheriff’s Office news release. When the driver stopped, a man entered the passenger seat of the car and pointed a gun at the driver.

The robber took the victim’s wallet and cell phone, as well as other personal items. The female suspect then entered the back seat of the car and stole more items.

Investigators tracked the suspects to Atascadero where they were arrested for armed robbery and possession of stolen property, according to the press release.

KSBY reports that prior to the arrests, a standoff occurred at the Motel 6 in Atascadero. The standoff began around 8 a.m. and ended before 10 a.m.

Atascadero police and SWAT officers responded to the Motel 6 at 9400 El Camino Real where the suspects had barricaded themselves inside a room. The suspects attempted to fool police by calling and saying they were ready to surrender, but that they were at the Motel 6 in Paso Robles.

The officers did not fall for it, and with help from the sheriff’s office, they managed to take the suspects into custody, Atascadero Police Chief Jerel Haley said.

Officers arrested Cosme Ramos, 19, Tiana Perez, 33, Rene Brooks, 31, and the 16 year old girl. Brooks and the juvenile are Salinas residents. Ramos is a resident of Hanford. He is a parolee who was also sought for robberies in Kings County.

Officers found a gun in the motel room after the suspects surrendered. The CHP also assisted in arresting the suspects.