Lincoln Police say four people have been arrested in connection to a string of armed robberies in the capital city.
Authorities say shortly after 1:00 Tuesday morning, a taxi driver was parked in his cab near 17th and D Street. The victim reported that two men opened his driver’s side door and another man opened his front passenger door. One of the men said “give me everything” and another man displayed a handgun. The men took the victim’s wallet with $70 cash, his cell phone and tablet.
Then shortly after 2:00, officers responded to a robbery at Fountain Glen Apartments. A 21 year old man reported that he was walking to his vehicle when he was approached by three men. One man displayed a handgun and the other men went through his pockets and stole his Google phone and wallet before leaving in a dark colored car. The victim described the men as black men, over 6’ tall.
At 2:44, officers responded to a third robbery at Lincoln Cold Storage. The 25 year old victim at that location reported that he was in his vehicle during his break when a man knocked on his window. The man pointed a gun at the victim and told him to get out of his car. The victim complied and saw three more men around his car. The men got into the victim’s 97 Buick Century and drove away. The victim saw a green car follow his car out of the lot, ran inside and called 911.
A short time later an officer spotted the victim’s stolen vehicle and a green Honda near 33rd and Highway 2. Officers attempted to make a traffic stop and a short pursuit ensued. The green Honda was eventually disabled with stop sticks near 33rd and Sheridan Blvd. Items stolen during the first two robberies were located in the Honda.
Three people were arrested from the Honda. Nineteen year old Esmeralda Zuniga was arrested for Accessory to a Robbery, a sixteen year old boy was arrested for Robbery and another sixteen year old boy was arrested for Accessory to a Robbery.
The stolen vehicle continued to 34th and Randolph where the driver lost control and struck a fire hydrant. Two men exited the vehicle and fled the area on foot. The seventeen year old passenger was caught after a short foot pursuit and arrested for Robbery. A .45 caliber handgun was located in the stolen vehicle.
Police are still looking for the driver of the stolen vehicle and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.