Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Patrice Spears
October 30th, 2022 – 911 Dispatchers received a call to report a robbery at a gas station off of West Valpico Road. Unfortunately the suspect was gone by the time the responding Officer arrived at the scene.
A little while later another call came into the dispatch center, reporting another robbery at another gas station in the area. The suspect description was very similar to the previous robbery and the suspect was again able to flee the scene before Officers arrived at the 2nd crime scene.
Tracy Police Officer Carlos Ramirez was assigned to proactive patrols of Tracy area gas stations. The hope of these patrols was to catch the suspect if they struck again by already having officers nearby.
As Officer Ramirez approached a station off South Tracy Blvd he noticed a suspicious individual approach the gas station. The person was wearing full face cover and gloves as they approached. This matched the description given from the previous robberies.
The individual noticing Officer Ramirez attempted to evade him by retreating out the door to a waiting vehicle in a nearby neighborhood. Quick action by Officers prevented the suspects from escaping arrest a 3rd time and led to the arrests of 2 suspects.
Reynaldo Parsons (31), and Bruce Nelson (34), both from Southern California were taken into custody. It has been confirmed that they were indeed the suspects from the previous two robberies in the area.
Investigators from the General Investigation Bureau arrived at the scene and took lead of the investigation. They discovered a firearm and cash, which is suspected evidence from the previous robberies, was collected from the vehicle.
Tracy Police Chief Millington stated “This is an example of an experienced officer knowing what to look for.” He also stated, “I appreciate the proactive manner in which our officers protect our community.”
The 2 Suspects were taken into custody and booked for Second Degree Robbery and Felon in Possession of a Firearm as well as numerous other charges.
