Morgan Hill Police arrested a teen who used a fake handgun to rob three people the night of July 3, according to authorities.
About 11pm, a young man and woman—both age 18—told police they parked their vehicle along a Cochrane Road apartment complex when a male suspect approached them.
The suspect, later identified as Jorge Mendoza, 19, of Morgan Hill, pressed a handgun to the female victim’s head and demanded money, police said. The male victim, the driver of the vehicle, gave Mendoza all the money in his wallet. Mendoza then fled the area on foot.
That incident occurred outside Cochrane Village Apartments, 18555 Butterfield Boulevard.
Then about 11:40pm July 3, another caller reported a suspect matching Mendoza’s description brandished a handgun at her in the area of Cochrane Road and Monterey Road. That victim last saw Mendoza flee into a nearby field, according to police.
Officers arrived and searched the field and found Mendoza, who was identified by several witnesses as the offender in both incidents, police said. Police also found a replica firearm near him in the field.
Mendoza was arrested and booked at Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery and brandishing a replica firearm, police said.
MHPD is asking the public for assistance in determining if other similar crimes have occurred in Morgan Hill. Any other similar incidents can be reported to Morgan Hill Police by calling (669) 253-4985, or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-7867.
