On April 25, 2014 at approximately 12:12 p.m., the Los Banos Police Department received a report of a robbery to a business in the 900 block of West Pacheco Boulevard. The male suspect entered the business and began casually speaking to an employee of the business. The suspect slid a threatening note to the employee, demanding money. The employee, not knowing what to do, walked away from the suspect. The suspect retrieved the note and left the business without any money.
The suspect was seen leaving the area in a white 4-door vehicle with paper license plates, similar to those put on by car dealers.
The businesses surveillance system captured the incident as it unfolded. Detectives worked with a local social media group to distribute photographs of the suspect. Shortly after posting the suspect’s photograph on the social media website, Detectives received a tip with the suspects name and address.
The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Paul Elmaguid of Los Banos.
Elmaguid learned he was being sought by Detectives and turned himself into police on May 29, 2014, in connection with the robbery. Detectives served a search warrant at Elmaguid’s residence and located evidence associated with the crime.
“Fighting back against criminal activity is everyone’s responsibility and we believe strongly in our partnership with the community. This idea has proven to be crippling to those committing crimes in Los Banos.”
- Gary Brizzee, Chief of Police
Paul Elmaguid was booked into the Los Banos Police Department Jail Facility, charged with attempted robbery, burglary and criminal threats. Elmaguid was later transferred to the John Latorraca Correctional Facility, where he remains in custody in lieu of $266,000.00 bail.
To leave an anonymous crime tip call 209-827-7070 Ext. 288. If you have access to a computer and the internet you can also leave an anonymous tip at the Police Department’s web page at www.losbanos.org. At the bottom of the “Contact” page simply click on the “report graffiti and other crime” link or visit the Merced Area Crime Stoppers by telephone at 1-855-725-2420, or at www.mercedareacrimestoppers.org
