Attempted Robbery in Front of Sparkle Car Wash in Ventura – Suspects Arrested

Ventura Police Department – Incident Press Release

On June 30th at 10:05 PM the Ventura Police Department Command Center received a 911 call from the Victim, who was reporting a robbery just occurred in front of Sparkle Car Wash, 1098 Cachuma Ave. Ventura.

During the investigation, officers learned the suspects saw the victim walking in the area. Potter and Benitez drove by the victim and parked nearby. Potter and Benitez approached the Victim on foot and pointed a handgun at the victim demanding money and his wallet. The victim refused to give over his wallet as an unrelated vehicle entered the parking lot. Potter and Benitez saw the unrelated vehicle and fled the area in their vehicle.

Officers were quickly able to identify Potter as the suspect with the firearm. Detectives with the Ventura Police Street Crimes Unit were able to locate Potter and conduct surveillance on him in the area of Saticoy in Ventura. During the surveillance Potter was seen with Benitez, who was identified as the second suspect in the attempted robbery. Potter, Benitez and a third subject were seen entering a vehicle and driving away.

VPD Gang unit detectives along with patrol officers were able to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle and both Potter and Benitez were taken into custody without incident. The driver of the vehicle was detained for a short time and released from the scene.

Collin Potter 24yrs, Ventura resident is currently out on bail for Assault with a deadly weapon (Firearm), Robbery, felon in possession of a firearm, brandishing a firearm, and Hit and Run. He is a documented Gang member and is on active Probation with Post Release Offender Status and gang terms.

Christo Benitez 18yrs, Ventura resident is a documented gang member.

Both Potter and Benitez were booked in Ventura County Jail for Attempted Robbery and participation in a criminal street gang.

No one was injured as a result of this incident.

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