San Jose: Three arrests made in alleged robberies targeting AAPI community

Three men were arrested on suspicion of committing 13 robberies and five grand thefts throughout the Bay Area targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, San Jose police say.

Police have arrested three men in connection with an alleged robbery spree targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities throughout the Bay Area, authorities said Monday.

According to a news release from San Jose police, three men between the ages of 26 and 28 from Antioch and Richmond were responsible for 13 armed or strong-armed robberies, five grand thefts and “countless” vehicle burglaries. Police investigated the alleged crimes between December and February and obtained arrest and search warrants.

Police arrested one suspect on April 14 after a succession of alleged vehicle robberies at Grand Century Mall in San Jose. SJPD says it identified a suspect vehicle and arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of vehicular burglaries and on the previous arrest warrant.

The other two suspects were later arrested on April 26 in Richmond by SJPD’s Covert Response Unit. Subsequent searches yielded stolen property, about $6,000 in cash, high-capacity magazines and ammunition. The three suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail and San Joaquin County Jail on suspicion of multiple felony charges.

No additional details were revealed, including why police believe the alleged crimes targeted the Asian community.