Union City Attempted Robbery Suspect Arrested

UNION CITY, CA — Union City Police arrested Luis Pantoja Wednesday on suspicion of attempted robbery, criminal threats, and possession of a controlled substance.

Police say that Pantoja tried to rob the Rite Aid in the Market Plaza Shopping Center at around 10 a.m. According to police, "Pantoja presented a note to the clerk in the pharmacy demanding an assortment of prescription pain medication. Pantoja threatened to harm the clerk if the demand was not met."

Instead, the clerk notified the pharmacy manager and the store manager of the threat, and the suspect fled out of the store before getting any of the meds.

He was seen running away with two women.

Police were called and immediately began searching the area. Officer Olson found Pantoja and the two women walking out of a laundry room in a nearby gated apartment complex.

Pantoja's distinct sweatshirt was found inside a garbage can in the laundry room. He was positively identified by witnesses and arrested on the spot.

-Image via Union City Police