Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: 12/28/16
Contact: Captain Vern Sallee 619-691-5230

Serial Street Robbery Suspect Arrested

Beginning on November 28, 2016, two suspects began a month-long string of five street robberies in the western area of Chula Vista. Each of the victims was walking alone on the street when the crime occurred. Three victims were juvenile males, one victim was a juvenile female and one victim was a 21-year-old female.

In each case, two suspects, described as heavy-set dark skinned males, possibly Hispanic or Pacific Islander, were associated with a red SUV. During the robberies, one of the males exited a red SUV, confronted the solo victim and demanded property while the driver stayed in the vehicle. Two of the armed robberies involved the threat of a gun and another involved the display of a knife. Losses include three cell phones, a wallet, cash and other property.

The last incident occurred on 12-27-16 at about 12:40 p.m. in the afternoon near Twin Oaks and I street in Chula Vista. The suspect exited a red SUV and grabbed a male juvenile by the hand and demanded his phone. The victim punched the suspect in the face and ran. The victim was able to give responding officers a Nevada license plate number, vehicle description and suspect description.

On 12-28-16, detectives from the Chula Vista Police Department Crimes of Violence Unit followed up on the information and arrested 23-year-old Nicholas Solario and his cousin, 31-year-old Malaefono Sula for the series of five street robberies. During questioning, both suspects admitted being involved in the robberies. Both were transported to county jail on the below listed charges.

Date Case Location Victim Crime Type
11-28-16 16-17909 200 K Street 21 y/o female 211 P. C. Strong arm robbery
12-01-16 16-18068 1400 Tobias 17 y/o female 211 P.C. Robbery - threatened gun
12-02-16 16-18094 700 Fifth Avenue 16 y/o male 211 P.C. Robbery – Displayed knife 211
12-02-16 16-18110 100 Telegraph Canyon Road 16 y/o male 211 P.C. Robbery – threatened gun
12-27-16 16-19206 Twin Oaks and I Street 16 y/o male 664/211 P.C. Attempted strong arm robbery

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are requesting information from the public should there be additional witnesses or victims. Please contact the case agent, Detective James Petray at (619) 585-5664 if you have any further information regarding these cases.

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