Robbery and robbery attempt of two taxi drivers reported within hours in Hemet
HEMET – For the second time on the same day taxi drivers were confronted by robbery suspects, first during an attempted robbery and assault and then during a successful robbery. Both incidents were reported Wednesday, July 13 after drivers delivered their passengers to the City of Hemet.
The attempted robbery and assault was reported in the area of 905 West Florida Avenue near Palm Avenue at 1:37 a.m., after a taxi driver reported two black males assaulted him and attempted to rob him of his money. In spite of assaulting the driver, the two suspects were unsuccessful in their robbery attempt and fled from the taxi. They were last seen getting into a newer, red four-door sedan that was occupied by two additional black males. After the attempted robbery and assault, the car fled northbound on Santa Fe Street.
Later the same day, at about 4 p.m., Hemet Police officers responded to 225 South Elk Street regarding the successful robbery of another taxi driver.
Carlos Renteria was arrested after he allegedly robbed a taxi driver in Hemet.
The officers’ investigation revealed the victim drove the suspect from the Wildomar area to South Elk St, in Hemet. The suspect, who was apprehended and identified as Carlos Renteria, reportedly paid the taxi fare then brandished a handgun and demanded the money back. Fearing for his life, the taxi driver complied and gave Renteria the money back.
Renteria reportedly fled on foot into the Jackson Mobile Home Park, where officers located him at space 59. The driver positively identified Renteria as the man who robbed him at which time officers arrested him for armed robbery.
Officers conducted a records check that revealed Renteria 24, of Hemet, was on probation out of Los Angeles County for burglary. Renteria was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on July 14 and held on $30,000.00 bail.
However, a jail record search revealed Renteria was released the following day after the District Attorney’s office chose not to proceed with charges against him. It was not immediately known why no charges were brought against Renteria.
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