A series of pharmacy robberies spanning across jurisdictions in California has been brought to a close with the arrest of a 44-year-old Hollister man, according to Morgan Hill Police. Rodolfo Duarte has been implicated in multiple incidents where a suspect demanded prescription drugs from local pharmacies at gunpoint.
The first reported robbery occurred on December 30, 2023, at a Rite-Aid on Monterey Road in Morgan Hill. The suspect claimed to be armed with a gun and had successfully managed to abscond with medications. Not long after, Gilroy Police reported a similar incident at a CVS pharmacy. A follow-up robbery on February 7, again at a CVS in Morgan Hill, further suggested a pattern, quickly linking to be the work of the same suspect potentially.
Investigations led by Morgan Hill Police Detectives yielded a break in the case as they identified Duarte, thanks to evidence tying him to the crimes in several jurisdictions. Following the investigations, Duarte was located and arrested on February 23. He has since been charged with three counts of robbery under P.C. 211 and is currently held in Santa Clara Main Jail.
This streak of brazen daylight robberies has raised concerns about the opioid crisis and the lengths to which individuals will go to obtain prescription drugs illicitly. Duarte's arrest has come as a relief to local law enforcement and the community alike. According to the Morgan Hill Police report, "The investigation is ongoing," and they urge "anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Detective Adrian Sapien."
Those with information can contact Detective Sapien at (669) 253-4995 or via email at [email protected]. The Morgan Hill Police remain vigilant and assertive, hoping to prevent future crimes of this nature through community involvement and thorough policing.
