Argentine arrested after robbing jewellery store in Villazón with toy gun
A 26-year-old Argentine citizen assaulted a worker and threatened her with a fake weapon to steal jewels in Villazón. Police arrested him minutes later thanks to Plan Z.
Jewellery store robbery in Villazón ends with arrest of Argentine suspect
A 26-year-old Argentine citizen was arrested on Thursday in Villazón, a municipality in the department of Potosí, after stealing three cases containing gold jewellery from a jewellery store located opposite the main square, according to El Deber.
The incident occurred during the morning. According to the police report, the suspect entered the establishment and surprised the woman attending the shop, the owner's sister. The victim reported that the man struck her in the face and intimidated her with an object that resembled a firearm, with which he managed to take the cases containing rings, chains and earrings.
After receiving the report, police activated Plan Z and deployed an operation to locate the suspect.
Chase and arrest half a block from the robbery
The search yielded results a few minutes later. An officer from the Community Action Patrol (PAC) who was off-duty and dressed in civilian clothes in the vicinity of La Paz street identified a man matching the description provided by the victim.
When attempting to detain him, the suspect fled on foot. A pursuit of approximately half a block in the direction of Oruro street ensued, after which the police officer managed to subdue him. The Argentine, identified as Horacio M. B., resisted and attempted to assault the officer. Other PAC personnel and staff from a police station responded in support and completed the arrest.
Jewellery thrown onto the street during the escape
During the pursuit, the suspect reportedly threw the cases with the jewels onto the street. Officers conducted a search and recovered the three cases along with several of the jewels: gold rings, chains and earrings.
Police suspect that some pieces may have been picked up by passers-by, so the search continues with the aim of recovering all of the stolen goods.
Among the seized items is the weapon used to intimidate the victim. Subsequent analysis confirmed it was a toy gun.
Previous visit to the jewellery store and checks at accommodation
The worker reported that the suspect had visited the shop the day before the robbery to enquire about some pieces, and that on that occasion indicated he was staying in Villazón. Police announced checks at lodging establishments in the city to determine where the detainee was staying and to review his documentation.
Following the robbery, the victim was taken to San Martín Health Centre for medical attention for the blow she suffered during the incident.
Horacio M. B. remains in police custody pending the case being referred to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which will determine his legal status for the alleged offence of aggravated robbery and any other criminal charges that may apply as the investigation progresses.
Source: El Deber