Cooperation among Peninsula law enforcement agencies resulted in the arrest on Wed., June 29 of two armed suspects in a pair of recent robberies.

On June 27, 2016 at approximately 5:11 p.m., Seaside Police Officers responded to the Seaside Garden Center, 1100 block of San Pablo in Seaside, regarding an armed robbery. Two male suspects entered the business and robbed the employees at gun point. The suspects left the store with an undisclosed amount of money.

On June 29, 2016 at approximately 8:38 a.m., Seaside Police Officers responded to the Econolodge, 2000 block of Fremont in Seaside, reference an armed robbery at one of the motel rooms. The victim was held at gun point, battered, and robbed of their property. Officers obtained a description of the vehicle and a partial license plate. Officers activated Project R.O.P.E. (Roadblock Observation Plan of Enforcement). Project R.O.P.E. is a countywide highway plan that utilizes the resources of all agencies in a cooperative effort to cover each of the main escape routes in the area.

Marina Police Officers located the vehicle on Imjin Parkway. Marina Police Officers and officers with the California State University of Monterey Bay (CSUMB) conducted a high risk stop on the vehicle and detained three occupants. Detectives with the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT) arrived on scene and continued the investigation.

Detectives identified two of the male occupants, Enrique Quinonez, 24, of Salinas, and Anthony Sanchez-Contreras, 31, of Prunedale, as being involved in the armed robberies on June 27th and June 29th. Detectives located a BB gun inside the vehicle, which was similar to the gun used in the robbery on June 27th.

Quinonez was arrested for two counts of robbery, two counts of false imprisonment, burglary, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, and driving on a suspended license. Quinonez was also charged with violation of probation.