Hunter
07/30/21
An Iowa City man wanted on warrants stemming from a robbery at a Mexican restaurant has been taken into custody.
According to police, 51-year-old Francisco Sanchez-Valdez of Gilbert Court was at the Acapulco Mexican Bakery on Keokuk Street last Sunday afternoon, sitting at a table behind a family. The father reported to police that he was approached by Sanchez-Valdez while he was eating, allegedly threatening him for $100. The man told police that Sanchez-Valdez told him, “You owe me $100; when I see you I’m effing you up.” Sanchez-Valdez reportedly held his hand by his waist, and the man believed he was armed. He was afraid his family was going to be hurt, so he gave Sanchez-Valdez $100. Video surveillance corroborates the victim’s story.
Later that evening, Sanchez-Valdez was spotted on Gilbert Street near Gumby’s Pizza. Police attempted to detain him for questioning, but he refused to comply. When officers tried to take Sanchez-Valdez into custody, he allegedly resisted, pulling away and trying to break free of them.
Sanchez-Valdez reportedly had bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and had the odor of ingested alcohol. He allegedly admitted to drinking, and when asked about the incident at the restaurant, Sanchez-Valdez reportedly admitted to getting $100 from the victim but denied anything else.
A warrant was requested on Tuesday, and Sanchez-Valdez was arrested Thursday. He’s been charged with 2nd degree Robbery, Public Intoxication, and Interference with Official Acts. If convicted, he faces a prison sentence of over ten years.
Judge Deborah Minot released Sanchez-Valdez on his own recognizance and issued a no contact order between him and the victim.
