One of two armed robbery suspects has been arrested

TEHACHAPI — Police have arrested one of the two suspects for allegedly robbing a Tehachapi convenience store back in late October.

Jesus Ortiz Vences, 34, was taken into custody on Thursday morning and booked into a Kern County Jail on charges of armed robbery.

Surveillance photo used to identify suspect

According to Tehachapi Police, Vences was taken apprehended by officers at his home in Mojave around 10 a.m. on Nov. 21, by officers working cooperation with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol.

“The suspect was identified based on a tip that came in after circulating surveillance camera photos,” said Tehachapi Police Sgt. Keven Empey.

Vences is one of two suspects wanted in the armed robbery case that occurred at Circle K on Tehachapi Blvd., between 11:30 p.m. and midnight on Oct. 27.

Detective Denise Brown said two men entered the store and went to the back as if they were shopping, then approached the clerk at the counter, with one of the men appearing to have a weapon under his sweatshirt.

Although the object was never displayed, the suspects were able to make off with two cans of beer and $50 from the cash register, before fleeing the scene in a white pickup truck.

Police said they were able determined the vehicle make and model the suspects were driving from the store’s surveillance tape.

The second suspect, who is described only as a Hispanic male is still outstanding and considered by police to be armed and dangerous.

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Tehachapi News: TPD officers arrest man wanted in connection with armed robbery