Crime & Safety

Police Arrest Man Suspected of Robbing Drive-Thru Customers at Gunpoint

Gilroy resident was nabbed on multiple counts of armed robbery.

A man who reportedly held a gun to a woman’s head at the Taco Bell drive-thru on First Street on Thursday is now in police custody, according to a press release from the Gilroy Police Department. 

The suspect, 21-year-old Gilroy resident Steven Joseph Johnson, reportedly tried to rob several people at the drive-thru at 11 p.m. after aggressively asking shoppers at the nearby Safeway for money. He also stole beer from the store, police said.

Johnson reportedly had his hand in his waistband while demanding money from the first victim at the drive-thru, suggesting that he had a gun. She fled without seeing a weapon, police said.

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A second reported victim at the drive-thru handed over her money. She reported the incident and told police the man had flashed a gun in his waistband.

The third victim, also sitting in the drive-thru line, said the man “held a gun to her head and ordered her out of the vehicle,” according to the report. She began screaming and fled while the man tried to take her cellphone, police said.

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Johnson allegedly fled, returning to Safeway at 1:22 a.m. Friday. Employees at the store recognized the suspect from the earlier incident and called police, leading to his arrest, according to the report.

Gilroy police arrested the suspect on two counts of attempted armed robbery, one count of armed robbery and one count of attempted carjacking.

Those with information about the crime are urged to contact Detective Mitch Madruga at 408-846-0350. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call WeTip at 800-782-7463 (800-78-Crime).


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