APD investigation leads to several arrests over the weekend

On Friday, August 11, 2023, at approximately 1pm, Amarillo police officers were sent to the 2100 block of S. Washington on a robbery report. The victim had been lured to a home by an acquaintance and then beaten with a gun and his car was stolen.

The information was given to officers from the Proactive Criminal Enforcement (PACE) unit. It was discovered that one of the suspects had a warrant for another robbery. 

PACE officers began checking addresses of possible locations of the suspects and following leads throughout the afternoon on Friday. Working with Violent Crimes Detectives, two search warrants were obtained for two different homes. Two suspects and evidence were collected and brought to the PD for further investigation. 

While following more leads obtained, additional locations were discovered to be possible hiding places or known associates for two of the other suspects involved in this robbery. One address was out in the county and had several buildings, a restaurant, and numerous cars inside the fenced property. 

The SWAT and Bomb teams were called in to assist on this investigation. PABTU and Financial Crimes Detectives were also contacted due to some of the vehicles and multiple identifiers being found. 

Two more suspects were located and arrested. Officers also located drugs, and the weapons used in the robbery. The suspects and all of the evidence were taken to the Amarillo Police Department for continued investigation. 

After almost a 15-hour investigation, six people were arrested. Four of the suspects were connected to the robbery.

All of the suspects were booked into Potter County jail on their charges. 

Joshua Vega was arrested for Aggravated Robbery, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information (FUPID).

Christopher Garcia was arrested for Aggravated Robbery, Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon and an outstanding warrant for another robbery unrelated to this incident.

David Trimble was arrested for Aggravated Robbery and Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon;.

Jennifer Hernandez was arrested for Tampering with Evidence.

Brylea Carter was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1, more than 4 grams but less than 200.

Jesse Price was arrested for a felony DWI warrant. This case is assigned to the Violent Crimes Unit.

This collaborative investigation resulted in the arrest of six people for felony charges directly related to this case. Three firearms, five ounces of meth, hundreds of stolen ID and credit card info, and one stolen vehicle were recovered directly related to this case. 

Three other felons were also arrested during this investigation.