Arrested Toll Robbers Had Assault Rifles, Handguns

VALLEJO - Two suspects were arrested Monday on suspicion of robbing toll plazas at three Bay Area bridges late last year, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

The armed robberies occurred in November and December at the Bay, Carquinez and Benicia bridges toll plazas, CHP Officer Daniel Hill said.

During the four robberies the suspects brandished a gun and demanded all the money in a cash register, and a toll taker was assaulted in one of the robberies, Hill said.

The CHP and the Vallejo and Daly City police departments investigated the incidents and served search and arrest warrants Monday at several locations in Vallejo, Hill said.

Marco Villagomez, 21, of Vallejo and a 17-year-old juvenile were arrested for armed robbery and other crimes, Hill said.

Police seized two assault rifles, three handguns and several replica firearms were seized during the operation, Hill said.

The CHP’s investigation into these incidents continues, and they ask anyone with pertinent information to contact them through their non-emergency tip line at 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247) or their Investigative Services Unit at 510-622-4609.

-Bay City News Service, images via California Highway Patrol