Police seek man accused of an armed robbery

Published: July 22, 2008 05:47 pm

By Kelly Young

kyoung@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Police are looking for a man believed to have robbed a residence at gunpoint, Friday afternoon. The alleged incident occurred in the 500 block of Pierce Lane at approximately 12:30 p.m.

“According to the complainant a black male knocked on the door, and he opened it to see who the male was. The subject then forced his way into the residence with a shotgun, forced the complainant down to the ground and demanded his money,” said Detective Daniel Franklin of the Jacksonville Police Department. “When the victim told him that he didn’t have any money, the subject then walked through the house looking for items to steal before exiting the residence and fleeing the scene on foot.”

The alleged victim, who said he doesn’t own the residence but was watching it for his niece, said he couldn’t be certain what was taken, but it appeared that only a CD player was stolen.

“We haven’t been able to make contact with the actual owner of the residence to find out for sure what was taken, but we are attempting to reach her. The victim did not know who the actor was, but described him as a heavyset, black male,” Franklin said. “The case is currently under investigation, and there are no suspects at this time.”

Police make assault arrest

JPD arrested a landlord during the weekend who allegedly assaulted a male tenant for failing to pay his rent on time. Jose Zuniga, a 33-year-old Hispanic male and illegal immigrant, was arrested and charged with assault/family violence.

Franklin said police were dispatched to the 400 block of Alabama Street on Saturday evening regarding a family violence call.

“The tenant, also an Hispanic male, approached the owner of the residence and told him that he wasn’t going to be able to make his rent until later in the month. The homeowner then became upset and struck him with a closed fist in the face,” he said. “After being struck, the victim fought back in self-defense and a fight ensued.”

Officer Charles Goodwin arrived at the scene and separated the two men. Upon further investigation at the scene, Goodwin determined that Zuniga was the actor in the case.

“Zuniga was arrested and charged with assault/family violence. The two men were ex-roommates, and that constitutes family violence. His bond was set at $2,000, and an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detainer was placed on him,” Franklin said.

The alleged victim suffered only swelling and slight bruising to the face.

The following arrests were made by the Jacksonville Police Department for the period of July 9 through July 20.


• Roberto Gonzalez, no driver’s license, driving while intoxicated and immigration hold. Bond was set at $2,000 and he is being held.

• Salvador Perez-Reyes, no driver’s license and immigration hold. Time served and he is being held.

• Jose A. Zuniga, assault/family violence causing bodily injury, city traffic warrants and immigration hold. Bonds were set at $2,000 and $686 and he is being held.