WITNESSES, CLERK HELP FOIL ARMED ROBBERY

September 24, 2012 (La Mesa)—A man who reportedly robbed the 7Q Liquor Store at 7401 El Cajon Blvd. in La Mesa at gunpoint is in custody tonight, thanks to the actions of a clerk and other witnesses.  Police apprehended Luis Alonso Cruz Magana, 24, of San Diego in the 4800 block of Jessie Avenue shortly after the robbery.

The clerk from 7Q Liquor said he was behind the counter when the suspect entered the store holding a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money.  The clerk opened the cash register drawer and then ran out of the store to call for help at a nearby business.  The suspect took an undetermined amount of cash from the register and then fled the store, running south on Jessie Avenue.  The clerk saw the suspect run from the store and followed the suspect.  The suspect knew he was being followed and attempted to escape by jumping over fences behind an apartment complex.

The suspect attempted to change his appearance by removing his pants and jacket.  He then stashed the gun and cash under a car in the parking lot and walked back towards Jessie Avenue.  Witnesses pointed out the suspect to officers and he was detained without incident.

There were no injuries; the cash was recovered and returned to the store clerk.  The suspect was positively identified by witnesses and he was booked into San Diego County Jail for 211 P.C. Robbery and 29800(a)(1) P.C. Felon in Possession of a Handgun.