ENCINITAS–A man was arrested early Thursday morning for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Deputies from the Encinitas Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to the 800 block of Clark Avenue for a report of a male brandishing a rifle. The victims stated the suspect pointed a rifle at them as they exited their vehicle, stated Sgt. Darrell Strohl in a written release.
The suspect demanded the victims’ belongings. The victims complied and were told to leave the area. The victims walked away from the suspect and called 911.
Deputies arrived on scene and conducted a sweep of the area. The suspect, Hernan Cruz, 20, was contacted a short distance away on Clark Avenue in a yard. Deputies found a loaded shotgun and ski mask in the yard. Cruz was arrested for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
The investigation is on-going.