Norwalk Man Arrested for Barstow Armed Robbery and Shooting

BARSTOW – The investigation into a Barstow robbery led to the arrest of a 23-year-old Norwalk man. On Sunday morning at approximately 4:09 a.m. authorities were dispatched to the report of a shooting in the 600 block of East Virginia Way. Officers arrived and made contact with the victims, Rudy Amesquita and Ralphie Pimental, who told them that two Hispanic men forced their way into their apartment and attempted to rob them at gunpoint. One of the victims, grabbed the gun, struggling with the suspect for control of the gun.

The suspect gained control of the gun and both suspects fled on foot toward a vehicle which was parked nearby.  The vehicle did not start so the suspects fled on foot. While they were fleeing, one of the suspects shot toward the victims. Officers conducted an area check for the suspects, but were unable to locate them. A detective was called to the scene to assume the investigation. Through investigation the detective was able locate evidence that linked the vehicle to the shooting. The vehicle was impounded and processed for evidence. The detective located a subject who matched the description of one of the suspects involved in the robbery.

The subject, Christian Silva, was positively identified by the victims as one of the involved suspects. Silva was placed under arrest, and additional evidence linking him to the robbery and shooting was located.  He was booked into the Barstow Jail and later tranferred to the High Desert Detention Center for attempted murder and robbery. He is being held in lieu of $1 million and is scheduled to appear at the Victorville Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon.

Anyone with information about this case can call Detective Leo Griego at 760-255-5187 or at the Barstow Police Department at (760) 256-2211. Those wishing to remain anonymous may also report criminal activity by calling the WE-Tip hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME or may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

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