Victor Almanza-Martinez

On December 30, 2015 at approximately 1:12 a.m., Pacific Grove Police Officers responded to an armed robbery at Lovers Point Park. Three Hispanic males had approached four victims sitting inside a vehicle. The suspects ordered the victims out of their vehicle at gunpoint and moved them a short distance away. The suspects robbed the victims of their property and stole their vehicle.

Detective’s notes say that the suspect took a selfie with one of the victims and emailed it to him. It is not known whether the knew each other beforehand.

On December 30, 2015 at approximately 11:45 a.m., Detectives with the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT) conducted a probation search in the 10000 block of Axtell Street in Castroville. Detectives arrested Victor Almanza-Martinez, 18, of Castroville, without incident. He was charged with armed robbery, kidnapping, possession of stolen property, conspiracy, violation of probation, and gang enhancements. Almanza-Martinez was transported to the Monterey County Jail. His bail was set at $170,000.

The victim’s vehicle, a black 2013 Chrysler 200 with no license plates, is still missing. The other two suspects were only described as Hispanic male adults in their early 20’s. They are both outstanding and the investigation is ongoing. 

If you have any information regarding the robbery, please contact PRVNT detectives at (831) 646 – 6926 or if you wish to remain anonymous, please contact the Tip-Line at (831) 646-3840.