MORENO VALLEY – Three suspects arrested after several victims came forward to report armed robberies under the pretense of car sales in March and April.
After posting an advertisement to purchase motor vehicles, two businessmen reported receiving a call from a potential seller on March 26, 2014. The seller arranged to meet at a location near the 1200 block of Calle Sombra and Hemlock Avenue at approximately 9 PM. Upon arrival the two men were robbed at gunpoint by two unknown assailants. The victims called Moreno Valley police to report the crime after their assailants fled, but officers were unable to locate the suspects.
Shekeyna Elliot
A similar robbery was also reported to take place when an individual attempting to sell a vehicle met with suspects on the 1200 block of Calle Sombra and Hemlock Avenue at approximately 12:30 PM on April 2, 2014. The Moreno Valley Robbery Suppression, which had assumed the investigation widened their search, determining both crimes were committed by the same suspects.
A third suspect came forward as the investigation continued, giving authorities further information to pinpoint the criminals. With this information, officers were able to locate the robbery suspects on April 9, 2014 at about 6:00 PM while they were driving in the area of Flaming Arrow and Alessandro Boulevard. The vehicle was stopped and both suspects were arrested.
A search of the vehicle yielded a replica firearm and knife which matched descriptions from the prior robberies. A search warrant was then served on the suspect’s residence in the 11900 block of Dream Street in Moreno Valley. Officers were able to seize property reportedly taken in the robberies as well as a large quantity of marijuana. Several small children were also on the premises and removed from the location
Rosalyn Marie Pope
Darren Michael Birks Jr, 24 of Rialto and Rosalyn Marie Pope 33 of Hemet, were arrested for three counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and violation of Probation. Bail was set $500,000 each.
Shekeyna Elliott, 28 of Moreno Valley was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales, child endangerment, and possession of stolen property. All three suspects were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center.
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Press Enterprise: Would-be car buyers robbed, 3 arrested
