A Chula Vista man was charged with robbing a taco shop three times, while wearing a ski mask to disguise his identity as he knew some of the people he held up.
Victor David Bernal, 23, has pleaded not guilty to committing three hold-ups at the El Ranchero Taco Shop, located at 1324 Third Ave. in Chula Vista. He is also charged with robbery of a 7-Eleven store located at 1482 Hilltop Drive in Chula Vista.
To disguise himself, Bernal wore camouflage fatigues, a tactical vest and ski mask. He held up the taco shop twice at midnight and once at 5 a.m. He lived close to both businesses.
“He personally knew some of the people (he robbed),” said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Williams on Tuesday.
Chula Vista police got a search warrant for a residence in the 1400 block of Second Avenue where Bernal lived and found evidence that led to his arrest Jan. 14. Police said Bernal acted alone in all four robberies. The San Diego Regional Fugitive Task Force also helped in the arrest.
A preliminary hearing was set for March 25 in Chula Vista Superior Court when Bernal appeared before Judge Garry Haehnle on Jan. 27.
The 7-Eleven robbery took place on Oct. 28, 2013. The taco shop was robbed on Nov. 23, Dec. 24 and Jan. 12.
