Affidavit: Man stole $200 while threatening victim with syringe containing “disease tainted blood”
An alleged robber threatened a store employee with a syringe, telling her the red liquid it contained was disease tainted blood.
Juan Reynaldo Bernal, 49, is charged with Aggravated Robbery after he allegedly stole $200, a complaint affidavit obtained by ABC-7 states.
On December 18, 2016, Bernal walked into Sally Beauty Supply store located at 1478 George Dieter in East El Paso and allegedly robbed an employee while threatening her with the syringe.
Police said Bernal demanded money from the employee and rode away with the money on a black motorcycle.
The complaint affidavit states the cashier was about to close her register for the day when she noticed Bernal pacing outside the store. A few moments later, Bernal entered the store wearing a bandana over his lower face.
The document further states Bernal took out the syringe with blood and told the victim, “I don’t give a (expletive) right now. I have a syringe full of blood, I have STDs. Give me all the money.”
After the woman gave Bernal the money, she asked him if he also wanted the loose change in the register. “No, Gracias,” Bernal allegedly replied.
On February 9, 2017, police said the commander of the Pebble Hills Regional Command Center saw Bernal, who matched the description of the robbery suspect, parked at the Oreilly’s Auto Parts store located near the police command center.
The commander called investigators, who then followed Bernal to a residence on the 12300 block of Nancy Lee. Bernal was taken into custody because he had an outstanding traffic warrant.
The officers then asked a woman at the residence for permission to search her home and she accepted, the complaint affidavit states.
Police said a search of the residence led officers to the discovery of evidence and clothing connecting Bernal to the robbery at Sally Beauty Supply.
Under interrogation, Bernal allegedly admitted to committing the robbery, the affidavit states.
Bernal was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $50,000 bond.
