EPPD: Man followed women to rob at gunpoint

Police officers in East El Paso arrested a man accused of targeting women to rob.

Jesus Antonio Chavez, 18, is charged with Aggravated Robbery.

Just after 10:00 pm on on January 22, 2018, a woman was robbed as she was preparing to leave the parking lot of the Gold’s Gym at 1224 Wedgewood, police said. Chavez allegedly entered the woman’s car wielding a gun and demanded money as the victim sat in her car, police said. Police said Chavez groped the victim before fleeing the area.

At approximately 8:40 pm on February 8, 2018, a woman was robbed at gunpoint after she arrived at friend’s house on Chinaberry drive. Police said an investigation revealed the victim had been followed after making an ATM withdrawal at a credit union on Vista del Sol.

On Friday afternoon, officers located Chavez driving in the 10600 block of Cardigan and arrested him on outstanding traffic warrants. Police allegedly found a black bb-gun, along with other items believed to have been used in the robberies, inside his vehicle.

“Further investigation led to him being identified as the offender who committed the robberies,” police said in a news release.

Chavez was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility for two counts of Aggravated Robbery and two outstanding traffic warrants under bonds totaling over $50,000.

EPPD provided helpful reminders that may lessen the likelihood of becoming victimized:

If walking to or from a car, do not become distracted with mobile devices, have keys in hand, scan entire area, and be aware of surroundings. There is safety in numbers so if parked in a public area walk to your car when there are others around. Avoid an area if isolated to just an individual. Once inside your car, lock doors and do not delay departing. Most, if not all, car key remotes have a panic button. If in fear, use it to draw attention.