Man Accused In Botched Watsonville Robbery

WATSONVILLE, CA — Police arrested a man accused of trying to rob a person in a Watsonville shopping center parking lot earlier this month. Investigators found and arrested 19-year-old Philip Martinson in Castroville on March 14, about two weeks after the alleged robbery attempt.

Police said Martinson approached the victim, who had recently cashed a paycheck in a grocery store, and tried to rob him. When the accused tried to draw his gun, the victim’s family member grabbed it and fired a warning shot toawrd the ground to scare away Martinson and his acquaintances who were nearby, according to police.

During the robbery attempt Martinson pistol-whipped one of the victims, police said. Investigators said video surveillance showed the accused as he ran from the scene.

Martinson was booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of robbery, gun charges and assault with a deadly weapon. Police said the robbery attempt was a good reminder for people to be aware of surroundings when conducting business in public.