Thread: Illegal Immigrants rob two men at knifepoint

Two men arrested for allegedly robbing victims at knifepoint

Brian Fraga
By Brian Fraga
Standard-Times staff writer
August 18, 2007 6:00 AM

NEW BEDFORD — Two men were robbed at knifepoint in the North End early Friday morning, leading police officers to arrest two Hispanic men who are illegal immigrants.

Around 4 a.m., police responded to a Nye Street residence, where a man said he was robbed at knifepoint by two Hispanic men riding bicycles. The victim said the men came up to him on mountain bikes and put a knife to his stomach. He said they demanded money and took his watch and cell phone.

Police Officer Antonio Perreira was interviewing a witness when he saw two men who fit the descriptions of the robbers ride by on bicycles.

Samuel Medrano, 17, of 149 Tallman St., and Jose Caceres, 18, of 109 Bullard St., were arrested and charged with two counts of armed robbery. Mr. Medrano also was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

The suspects were being transported to police headquarters for processing when a second victim called police to say he had also been robbed at knifepoint by two Hispanic men.

The victim told police Officers Francesco Correia and Otenial Correia he was walking home on Acushnet Avenue around 2:14 a.m. when the two assailants came up behind him and said, "What's up?"

He said the men pulled out knives, pointed them at his chest and demanded money. They patted him down and searched his pockets, taking his cell phone, earrings and watch.

New Bedford police spokesman Lt. Jeffrey Silva said the officers retrieved the victims' property from the suspects. Lt. Silva said the suspects are illegal immigrants and admitted to being involved in gang activity in California. Mr. Caceres told police he had been in the country for less than a month.

The suspects told police they robbed the victims because they had no milk at home, according to police reports.

Mr. Medrano and Mr. Caceres were held on bail after being arraigned Friday at New Bedford District Court.

wonder if the mountain bikes were also stolen? That is what they tend to steal here in my community. The ones who aren't driving illegally, are riding stolen bikes.

The suspects told police they robbed the victims because they had no milk at home, according to police reports.

Oh, well now that makes everything OK. They just needed some milk!