Naval Petty Officer Helps Prevent Robbery

Thanks to Naval Petty Officer Jessica Peek, Chula Vista Police officers were able to arrest the suspect involved in a recent attempted robbery at a Taco Bell located at 696 E. Street.

The attempted robbery occurred on July 23rd just after 11:30 a.m. when the suspect, 35 year-old Salvador Martinez, who was out on bail at the time of  the robbery, walked into the restaurant with a knife, demanding for two employees to give him money.

As the suspect was told by the two employees that they did not have access to the restaurant’s safe, Peek arrived at the restaurant with a friend, who happened to be the restaurant’s manager.

When the suspect saw Peek standing in the doorway with her naval uniform, the suspect immediately ran out of the restaurant and headed for the streets.

Peek then called 911 and got into her vehicle to pursue the suspect. As she was on the phone, she described to the operator Martinez’ actions, including changing his clothes in a nearby parking lot. He then walked to a trolley station to escape from the area.

Before he was able to board, officers arrived at the scene and took him into custody.

Martinez was booked and charged with attempted robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and committing a felony while out on bail. His bail has been set at $150,000.

Officers say along with Peek and four other witnesses, they were able to successfully arrest Martinez.

Read More:

NBC San Diego- Witness Helps Police Catch Taco Bell Robbery Suspect

CBS 8- Witness Leads Police to Taco Bell Robbery Suspect