8 Accused In Robbery Of Illegal Marijuana Dispensary In Custody

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (CBSLA.com) — Eight men were in custody Wednesday in what authorities say was their involvement in the robbery of an illegal marijuana dispensary in Highland.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Vicente Tapia, 28, of San Bernardino; Alfredo Villa, 20, of Los Angeles; Samuel Aguirre, 29, of San Bernardino; Israel Paradez, 33, of San Bernardino; Scott Rathjen, 33, of San Bernardino; Raymond Ortiz, 32, of Rialto; Edgar Hernandez, 24, of Highland; and Daniel Rodriguez, 26, of Highland were each arrested on Tuesday for possession of an assault weapon, armed robbery, kidnapping for extortion and conspiracy.

Around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies were sent to the 25900 block of Ninth Street for report of a robbery in progress at an illegal marijuana dispensary.

Deputies said the caller reported numerous men armed with assault weapons and handguns, and accosted the victims at gunpoint. It was unclear if there were any injuries during this crime.

Once on scene, deputies located eight men believed to be affiliated with a criminal street gang.

Tapia attempted to flee on foot; however, he was taken into custody at the scene along with the other seven.

A preliminary investigation revealed the men were armed with guns with the intent of extorting money from the dispensary owner, deputies explained.

A search warrant on the premises revealed five handguns and one illegal assault rifle reportedly used in the robbery.

Deputies found in Tapia's vehicle a large amount of cash believed to have been taken during other robberies.

The men are being held on $1 million each at the Central Detention Center.

The investigation is continuing as detectives are searching for additional victims that may have been robbed.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact detectives at (909) 425-9793.