Pharmacy Robbery Suspect Likely Involved In Robberies In Pleasanton, Fremont And Castro Valley

LIVERMORE, CA — Police have identified two men who were arrested on suspicion of robbing two Livermore pharmacies at gunpoint this week. East Palo Alto residents Eric Vargas, 43, and Jesus A. Aguilar are currently in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin and investigators believe Aguilar may have robbed other East Bay pharmacies.

According to police, the first robbery was reported inside the Rite Aide Pharmacy on Murrieta Boulevard in Livermore at about 10:45 a.m. Monday. Police said the male suspect entered the pharmacy and brandished a handgun while demanding narcotics. The suspect fled the store.

Just about an hour later, a second Rite Aide Pharmacy on N. Vasco Road reported a similar robbery, which prompted police to place Croce Elementary School on a precautionary lockdown while they searched for the suspects. Officers found a suspect vehicle nearby and after conducting a traffic stop, they arrested the two occupants in connection with the robberies.

Police say Aguilar allegedly robbed pharmacies in Pleasanton and Castro Valley on March 13, the same day as the two Livermore robberies. Aguilar is also a suspect in three Fremont robberies on Feb. 27, March 1 and March 9, according to police.

“Livermore Police Officers have recovered the gun believed to be used in the robberies as well as other evidence located in the suspect vehicle,” police said.

Police credit an alert citizen for providing a detailed description of the suspect's vehicle, which led officers to apprehending the duo.

Police said Vargas and Aguilar face charges of armed robbery, conspiracy, drugs, and weapons-related charges and enhancements. The case remains under investigation.

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