Gunshots Fired During Pot Shop Robbery

The suspects have been identified as James Crutcher, 29, and Frank Daley, 30

Shots were fired during an armed robbery at a medical marijuana dispensary Tuesday in Spring Valley.

Gunfire was reported just after 11 a.m. at Spring Valley Greens, an unlicensed marijuana distributor located at 9026 Campo Road.

An employee at Smoke N Stuff next door was shot in the robbery. The 32-year-old man was taken to Sharp Memorial Hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department.

Two suspects were taken into custody on Camino Paz, about a half mile away from the dispensary. The suspects have been identified as James Crutcher, 29, and Frank Daley, 30.

El Cajon resident Ray Shealy was in the smoke shop when someone came in and said there was a robbery at the pot shop.

“That’s when the owner of the smoke shop and me walked out to the place that was being robbed. He rang the bell, and you hear the guy in the back saying, ‘yeah, we’re being robbed,’” Shealy said. “We both ran out to call the cops and heard a gunshot.”

Shealy said he took cover inside the Spring Valley Inn Cocktail Lounge before hearing another gunshot.

“Hoping I didn’t get shot before the holidays,” he said.

According to deputies, Crutcher was the robber, and Daley was the getaway driver. Deputies said Crutcher was shot multiple times by the smoke shop employee as he tried to rob the dispensary.

The suspects tried to escape in a silver sedan, but people from the plaza chased them with a bat, according to witnesses.

Witnesses say one suspect jumped onto the hood of the car as it sped away but fell off.

Deputies soon detained Crutcher, who had suffered multiple gunshots wounds. They sent a K-9 to reach Daley, according to officials. 

“They pulled the dog on him. He was on the ground getting dragged across the street. It was kind of crazy,” said witness.

Both suspects were taken to the hospital. Their conditions have not been released.

Lt. Chris May said deputies were not involved in the shooting. May said they recovered at least two handguns. 

The sheriff's department says it is now investigating Spring Valley Greens and plans to serve the business with a Cease and Desist Order.

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