A Chula Vista man has been arrested in connection with a string of brazen armed robberies targeting a local taco shop and convenience store over the past three months, officials said.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, 23-year-old Victor Bernal is allegedly responsible for at least four armed robberies that took place between Oct. 28, 2013 and Jan. 12, 2014, at a 7-Eleven and a taco shop in Chula Vista.
In each case, investigators said Bernal wore the same outfit: camouflage fatigues, a ski mask and a possible tactical vest. After entering the stores, he pointed a handgun at the clerk and demanded cash from the register. He then fled on foot.
Bernal was arrested Tuesday morning after officials served a search warrant in the 1400-block of Second Avenue. During the search, police said they discovered various pieces of evidence linking Bernal to the taco shop robberies. Detectives believe he acted alone in the crimes.
Investigators said the first in Bernal’s alleged string of robberies happened on Oct. 28, 2013, at around 1 a.m. at a 7-Eleven store located at 1482 Hilltop Dr.
After that, on Nov. 28, the El Ranchero Taco Shop located at 1324 Third Avenue was robbed at gunpoint by a man matching the same description as the 7-Eleven robbery. Then, on Christmas Eve around midnight, police said Bernal robbed that same El Ranchero Taco Shop once again, wearing the same clothes, while armed with a handgun.
Finally, police said the last in the series of crimes happened this past Sunday, again at the El Ranchero Taco Shop on Third Avenue.
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Following his arrest on Tuesday Bernal was booked into jail on four counts of robbery. He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday.
