Crime

They robbed a store while their 1-year-old daughter was present, police say

Blanca Quitero and Jose Munoz are accused of robbing a Rite Aid, while their 1-year-old daughter was present.
Blanca Quitero and Jose Munoz are accused of robbing a Rite Aid, while their 1-year-old daughter was present. Fresno police

A Fresno man and woman were arrested last week after allegedly bringing their 1-year-old daughter to a store, where they committed an armed robbery, Fresno police said.

The department’s Southwest Special Response Team arrested Fresno residents Jose Munoz, 27, and Blanca Quintero, 30, according to a department press release.

The robbery happened early during the evening of Jan. 15 at the Rite Aid in the 1100 block of Fresno Street. Police believe Munoz and Quintero entered the store with their daughter and began stealing items. A confrontation began when loss prevention guards approached the suspects as they were leaving. During the argument Munoz allegedly pulled a handgun from his vehicle and pointed it at the guards, before driving away.

Police believe Munoz pointed this weapon at security guards during the robbery.
Police believe Munoz pointed this weapon at security guards during the robbery. FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT CSIB

The next day officers located the suspects’ vehicle at an East Church Avenue apartment complex. Meanwhile, the suspects were at separate units in the same apartment complex in the 1500 block and 1100 block of East Church Avenue.

Southwest Special Response Team officers surrounded the complex and arrested Munoz and Quintero without incident.

After looking through Munoz’s apartment, detectives recovered a semi-automatic handgun hidden inside a graham cracker box. The gun matched the weapon used in the robbery, police say.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges in the case. Munoz faces charges of armed robbery, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and child endangerment. Quintero facces armed robbery charges.

Larry Valenzuela: 559-441-6084, @larryvalwork

This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 11:59 PM with the headline "They robbed a store while their 1-year-old daughter was present, police say."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER