A San Leandro man was arrested Monday for allegedly holding former coworkers at gunpoint for about 30 minutes on Friday, police say.
Armando Aguiar was arrested outside his home Monday on suspicion of false imprisonment and brandishing a weapon, according to a statement from the San Leandro Police Department.
According to police, about 2 pm Friday Aguiar entered his former employer's premises at 1900 Alvarado Street. Former coworkers told police Monday they thought he had a handgun inside of a bag.
Aguiar allegedly spent about 30 minutes threatening his former coworkers and complaining about his financial difficulties.
Fearing they were going to be injured or killed, police say the victims offered Aguiar an unspecified amount of cash, which he took.
Aguiar subsequently left the business Friday without physically harming anyone but the victims did not immediately contact police because they were fearful of retaliation, according to the official statement.
Monday morning, however, the victims came into police headquarters, reported the incident and led police to Aguiar’s residence in San Leandro.
Detectives set up surveillance and arrested Aguiar as he attempted to drive away. Police say Aguiar was positively identified by the victims. Police report that detectives located a replica firearm during the detention, but they do not know whether this was the weapon used in the alleged crime.
"We are thankful that no one was injured or killed," said police Lieutenant Rick DeCosta.
Get San Leandro Patch delivered by email. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @sanleandropatch. Or start your own blog.)
