Crime & Safety

Two Suspected Gang Members Arrested Days After Disturbance at Half Moon Bay Pharmacy

By Bay City News Service:

Two men were arrested in connection with a disturbance at a store parking lot Wednesday night in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County sheriff's officials said Friday.

Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the parking lot of a Rite Aid Pharmacy located at 170 San Mateo Road at about 9:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to sheriff's officials. 

At least two men, believed to be gang members, were armed and threatened several people, officials said. Responding deputies learned one man ran toward the west side of state Highway 1. 

A deputy drove to a residential area and spotted the man, identified as 32-year-old Jose Monroy, of El Granada. Monroy fled and the deputy pursued on foot. 

A pit bull with Monroy attacked the deputy and he shot the dog. Monroy got away when the deputy fended off the dog, officials said. 

A second suspect who also brandished a handgun, identified as 29-year-old Half Moon Bay resident Ricardo Avila, got away after the incident. Avila was arrested by Daly City police during a traffic stop Thursday. 

Sheriff's detectives located Monroy in San Bruno Friday and arrested him. Both men were booked into jail on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, criminal threats, resisting arrest and participating in a criminal street gang. 

Anyone with information about the incident at the Rite Aid is asked to call Detective Andrew Armando at (650) 363-4347 or Detective Mark Myers at (650) 802-4238. Anonymous calls can be made at (800) 547-2700.

Copyright © 2014 by Bay City News, Inc. -- Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.


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