ARRESTS MADE AFTER THIEVES DRAG VICTIM 50 FEET

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July 3, 2012 (La Mesa) – Thanks to a witness who photographed a crime in progress, La Mesa Police have arrested two suspects who  allegedly stole a laptop computer from a man, then dragged him 50 feet from a vehicle.

Police received a call yesterday at 2:34 p.m. reporting that a man had been dragged by a vehicle near La Mesa Boulevard and Acacia Avenue. When police arrived, the victim told them that two black males stole his laptop computer and left in a small red vehicle. The victim grabbed onto the vehicle as it fled the scene, and was dragged approximately 50 feet. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and then transported to Grossmont Hospital for further evaluation.
 
A witness to the robbery was able to photograph the license plate of the vehicle, a red 2009 Smart car.

Police went to the registered owner’s address in the 9800 block of Ivanho Street in Spring Valley. After they arrived, the vehicle was seen leaving the garage. Police followed the vehicle as it entered Interstate 94 west. Just east of Bancroft Drive, officers initiated a traffic stop and both the driver and passenger fled the vehicle on foot.

 
The vehicle crashed into a nearby ravine. The driver of the vehicle was subdued using a Taser and the passenger was located shortly after in the area of Kenwood Drive and Bancroft Street.
 
A witness from the robbery positively identified both suspects in a curbstone line-up. The stolen laptop was recovered in the vehicle.
 
One of the suspects was wanted in a previous La Mesa PD case for assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm. The suspects were transported to San Diego County Jail and booked on the following charges:

18 year old Nathaniel Gaines of Spring Valley- 211 PC- Robbery

18 year old Dontrez McCraney of La Mesa- 211 PC- Robbery and 245 PC- Assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

The investigation in continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com). You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case. 


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