EXCLUSIVE: Suspect Arrested in Taco Truck Armed Robbery Spree Across Las Vegas
Las Vegas man arrested for string of armed robberies targeting taco trucks; stole cash, wallet, and necklace during spree.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Metro police have arrested a man suspected of committing a string of armed robberies involving taco trucks and other businesses, ending a tense week-long crime spree.
Jose Arce, 37, was arrested on Monday, facing charges of robbery and burglary after a series of at least four robberies between January 21 and January 26. Authorities say Arce, described as a Hispanic male in black coveralls, allegedly threatened workers with a gun during each incident, demanding cash before fleeing in a pickup truck.
The first robbery occurred near Rancho and Vegas Drives, where the suspect took $400 from a taco truck. A second similar robbery took place near Rainbow and Charleston Boulevards, with the suspect running off with $700. Just an hour later, Arce is suspected of robbing a Mexican restaurant on Decatur Boulevard, where he ordered food before stealing $750 from the victim, while apologizing and claiming his sick daughter and low-paying job drove him to crime. He also demanded a gold necklace from another employee before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance video from the restaurant showed the suspect driving away in a 1990s-model pickup truck, which police later tracked to a location near Decatur Boulevard and Vegas Drive.
In the final robbery, the suspect took a wallet from another taco truck worker who claimed there was no money. Authorities eventually located Arce’s truck and arrested him after finding the stolen wallet and necklace in his possession.
Though Arce denied involvement during questioning, citing his work as a mechanic and his daughter’s illness, his connection to the crimes was clear. Arce remains in custody with a $500,000 bail, and authorities continue to investigate any potential links to other robberies in the area.
Stay tuned as this developing case unfolds.
