In February, a woman was violently robbed at the Race Street VTA station in San Jose, according to police. Two suspects were allegedly involved in the purse theft and robbery of the victim, and were captured on VTA surveillance cameras. After receiving tips from the public, San Jose police were able to locate and arrest one of the two suspects, Jozette Rios, who is 20 years old. Rios’ brother Jonathan is the second suspect, however as of Sunday March 17 he remained at large.
According to ABC affiliate KGO-TV in San Francisco, the female suspect kicked and punched the woman after following her onto a sidewalk, resulting in the woman falling to the ground. Once the victim was on the ground, both suspects ripped the woman’s purse away from here, than fled on bicycles.
Police said in news reports that the Rios were riding on the same Santa Clara VTA train on February 6 as the victim, and that all got off of the train at approximately 6:52 p.m. at the Race Street Station.
Police believe that Jonathan Rios is likely in the downtown Alviso or San Jose areas, and that he is homeless. He is described as having brown hair and hazel eyes, weight approximately 165 pounds and 5 feet 8 inches tall. A felony warrant has been issued for Rios’ arrest according to news reports.
Jozette Rios was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail after her arrest on Thursday.
The punishment individuals face when convicted for robbery depend on whether they are charged with first- or second-degree robbery, whether a firearm was used, or whether another person suffered great bodily injury in the commission of the crime. As experienced San Jose robbery attorneys, we know that individuals convicted on a first-degree robbery charge will likely face 3, 4, or 6 years in state prison. If it is determined that the victim suffered great bodily injury, a consecutive term of 3 to 6 years may be added to the original sentence.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for robbery, burglary, or any type of theft or larceny, it is critical that you obtain the support and guidance of a capable and aggressive San Jose criminal defense lawyer right away. Without effective legal counsel, the likelihood you will avoid a conviction is extremely small.
