Gun-Toting, Boozy Robber Threatening Grocery Staffer Arrested

MILPITAS, CA -- A Hayward man was arrested by Milpitas police on robbery and drug charges, as well as weapons and felony evading violations, after the man threatened to shoot an employee of the Lucky Supermarket he was allegedly trying to steal alcohol from, police said.

Ezequiel Gutierrez, 25, was booked into Santa Clara County Jail for the Dec. 8 incident on 1350 S. Park Victoria Dr.

During the confrontation, the man allegedly pulled out a handgun from his waistband and got into his gold Nissan Quest, changed his clothes, and then fled on foot, according to the Milpitas Police Department. The employee retreated to the store.

Responding officers saw the Nissan leaving the parking lot and conducted a high-risk vehicle
stop. Several occupants were detained, and a loaded, Smith and Wesson .38 caliber handgun was
reportedly located inside the vehicle, police said. A records check revealed the handgun had been reported stolen out of Las Vegas.

Gutierrez was taken into custody at a nearby restaurant when officers spotted him. He was consequently positively identified by witnesses and through store surveillance footage, police said. Officers also reportedly found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia upon arrest.

--Images courtesy of Milpitas Police Department