SANTA MARIA, Calif.- Santa Maria Police say a local gang member is now behind bars after he attempted to rob Maguey Liquor Store. Police say 21-year-old Aldo Gonzalez walked into the store at 400 West Main Street just before 10:30pm Saturday evening.
"He had a bat, he covered his face and had sunglasses," says Veronica Garcia.
Veronica Garcia was working at the liquor store during the time of the incident and says 21-year-old Aldo Gonzalez charged into the store with a baseball bat and demanded cash.
"The guy was a professional for sure, for sure not the first time because he knew exactly where the buttons were to open the register," says Garcia.
The moment Gonzalez reached into the cash register Garcia and the other clerk grabbed him.
"He never got out from behind the counter they made sure that he was kept behind the counter while they were taking care of business (sort of speak) until police arrived," says Lieutenant Rico Flores, Santa Maria Police Department.
Police tell Central Coast News they were able to determine Gonzalez was a gang member because the name of a local gang was written on the side of the bat.
"They actually dragged him over to their side, were able to take the bat away from him and began using it on the suspect," says Flores.
Police say the victims were not hurt.
"It never happened before, this is the first time and I hope this not happen again," says Garcia.
The suspect was transported to Marian Medical Center for treatment of multiple head injuries and then later transported to Santa Barbara County Jail on charges for robbery and gang enhancement.
