Suspect arrested on robbery charges

Friday, June 27, 2003 | 12:17 p.m.

Metro Police arrested a man Thursday who is wanted for as many as 15 armed robberies, Lt. Ted Snodgrass said this morning.

A patrol officer pulled over Jesus Benitez, 27, in the area of Stephanie Street and Hacienda Avenue, about 1 p.m. for a traffic violation and recognized him as a wanted robbery suspect.

Benitez drove off, then he and his passenger, who was wanted for possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary and assault, jumped from the car and ran into a desert area.

Police searched for them with a helicopter and police dog. Officers arrested them within about a half-hour.

Benitez allegedly had been targeting check-cashing companies since February. Four warrants had been issued for his arrest.

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