Crime & Safety
Santa Cruz Robbery Suspect Arrested on Valentine's Day
BREAKING: Police said the suspect confessed that he faked having a gun during the robberies.

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A 22-year-old man was arrested on Valentine's Day in connection to robberies at two stores in Santa Cruz, police said Wednesday. Santa Cruz resident Antonio Neal Townsend allegedly attempted to rob a market in the 2000 block of Soquel Avenue around 10:25 a.m.
At 11:40 a.m., Townsend is suspected of robbing a convenience store in the 300 block of Ocean Street.
In both incidents, the suspect passed a note to the cashier claiming to have a gun, police said. After a search resulting in his arrest, Townsend confessed in an interview with detectives that he faked having a gun during the robberies.
Townsend was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted robbery, robbery and an outstanding felony warrant.
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By Bay City News
Photo courtesy Renee Schiavone/ Patch