Three suspects who asked for drugs during a strong-arm robbery were captured when police sent a text offering to sell drugs to the stolen cell phone.

According to the Murrieta Police Department, officers responded to reports of a robbery at Creekside High School at approximately 8:40 p.m. Tuesday. The victim said two men approached him and asked if he had any marijuana. When he said no, they approached his friend, who was parked nearby. One suspect tried to open the driver’s door while the other punched him through the sunroof; fearing a carjacking, the man drove off.

The suspects then turned on the initial victim, pushing and hitting him while emptying his pockets; they took an iPod, cell phone and backpack. The victim said they left in a tan compact car.

The investigating officer, knowing the suspects were looking for marijuana, sent a text to the stolen cell. After a brief exchange, the suspects agreed to meet in order to purchase drugs. As they headed to the agreed-to location, other officers stopped them at Hancock Avenue and South Las Brisas Road.

Edward Munoz, 18, of Temecula; Michael Burks, 18, of Temecula; and Quashawn Burks, 20, of Chicago, were arrested for robbery, attempted carjacking and conspiracy.

– posted at 5:56 p.m. by Cathy Maestri

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Thursday, June 4, 2009

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