Suspect could get life if convicted in armed robbery
A man facing two counts of aggravated robbery for allegedly participating in the gunpoint theft of a cell phone is expected to face a jury this week in Miller County.
Joseph Nelson Vasquez, 21, allegedly expressed interest in buying a Samsung cell phone for $150 which a woman had advertised using the “Let Go” app and social media, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. The woman and Vasquez allegedly arranged to meet in the parking lot of a local fast food restaurant Nov. 8.
The woman and a male companion were approached by a man as they sat in their car. When the man, later identified as Sebastian Thomas Hull, 18, Vasquez’s co-defendant, asked to see the phone, the man and woman asked to see the money first.
Both alleged victims told Texarkana, Ark., police investigators that the man said, “Don’t make me do it,” before gesturing that he had a gun in his pants. The robber allegedly took the phone and was driven away in a white 2005 BMW. The couple called police and followed the suspects as they drove along Interstate 30, taking down the license plate.
After tracking the car down, Texarkana, Ark., police learned Vasquez allegedly had borrowed the car from the owner. According to court records, both men were arrested in January. Vasquez is currently free on a $30,000 bailbond. Hull is being held in the Miller County jail.
Vasquez and Hull are both facing two counts of aggravated robbery. The offense is punishable by 10 to 40 years or life in prison. Jury selection is scheduled in Vasquez’s case for Tuesday morning at the Miller County courthouse. Trial is expected to begin Wednesday before Circuit Judge Carlton Jones. Vasquez is represented by Texarkana lawyer Errol Friedman. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell and Prosecuting Attorney Stephanie Black are handling the case for the state.
llarowe@texarkanagazette.com