SACRAMENTO—Two people wanted for armed robberies in multiple states, including one in Citrus Heights, have been arrested and booked into Sacramento County Jail.
Citrus Heights police reported that Michael Ortiz, 33, and Chanzie Cox, 27, were apprehended with the assistance of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department on January 12 and 15, 2015.
Citrus Heights detectives have confirmed 11 robberies allegedly committed by Ortiz and Cox during the course of a crime spree that spanned numerous jurisdictions in California and Colorado. Ortiz was armed with a stolen gun when he was apprehended. The alleged victims include a Domino’s Pizza restaurant in Citrus Heights. According to the Ukiah Daily Journal, they are also suspects in a December 10 armed robbery in Fort Bragg, making off with cash and jewelry from a local merchant.
Chanzie Cox, image from Facebook
Cox was arrested Monday, January 12, 2015 by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, and Ortiz was arrested Thursday, January 15, 2015 by Citrus Heights police.
Ortiz was booked on suspicion of robbery, knowing a concealed firearm was stolen, possession of controlled substances while armed with a firearm, and possession of narcotics and specified non-narcotics. Recent past arrests include a November 6 arrest in Sacramento for possession of a controlled substance and paraphernalia, and an October 23 charge of possession of burglar’s tools and stolen property.
Cox was booked on suspicion of several offenses, including robbery, conspiracy and driving in a reckless manner to evade a police officer. Records show recent arrests for her include her arrest with Ortiz on October 23 for possession of stolen property, along with driving offenses and failure to appear warrants, and an August 6 arrest for possession of burglar’s tools, stolen property, and a firearm and ammunition as an addict, while loaded in a public place, and not as the registered owner.
Police say detectives believe there are additional unidentified victims throughout California, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Oregon. Individuals or businesses who think they may have been among the victims are asked to call the Citrus Heights Police Department at (916) 727-5500.
