An armed robbery at a Concord credit union kicked off a dramatic chain of events involving a police pursuit, multiple carjackings, and the eventual arrest of two suspects. It began on Detroit Avenue on Monday, when two men held up the Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union, before fleeing and leading police on a chase down Interstate 680, as reported by the Concord Police Department.
The suspects' initial getaway car broke down amidst the heavy freeway traffic near Sunol, prompting them to commandeer vehicles from two separate victims at gunpoint, the first attempt was foiled by the quick-thinking driver who managed to disable his own car thwarting the escape, the second attempt, however, was successful and the chase continued. They were pursued to San Jose, where the second stolen vehicle met with an accident and was disabled after colliding with another car. The suspects fled on foot, with Concord Police apprehending one suspect and San Jose Police locating the other.
Concord Police officers pursued and ultimately shot one suspect, Cruz Vargas, age 29, of San Jose, who was armed with a fully automatic handgun modified with a high-capacity drum magazine. In the chaotic aftermath, Vargas was provided with medical aid on the scene before being transported to a hospital for treatment.
San Jose Police, who searched for the second suspect identified Elijah Phillips, 21, also from San Jose, found him with the stolen money in his possession, Phillips, and Vargas had a history with the law, the former was wanted for domestic violence and theft, while the latter was on parole for a carjacking offense.
Both suspects are now facing serious charges, with the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office filing multiple counts against Vargas, including armed robbery, carjacking, felony evading, weapons violations, brandishing, and hit-and-run, with additional enhancements due to prior convictions. Likewise, Phillips is facing charges of armed robbery, carjacking, and weapons violations. More details on the case can be obtained by contacting Detective Riche of the Concord Police Department's Major Crimes Unit at (925) 603-5922 or by using the tip line at (925) 603-5836, as the investigation is still in progress.
