2 men charged for violent armed robbery in Southern California

A federal grand jury indicted two men from the Inland Empire in connection with a violent robbery at a marijuana dispensary in San Bernardino where one of the suspects was seen pressing the barrel of his firearm against an employee’s head, officials announced Wednesday.

The robbery, which was captured on store surveillance cameras, occurred on August 9, according to a news release from the Department of Justice.

Prosecutors say that three masked suspects, two of which have been identified as 32-year-old Barstow resident Tyrie Ravon Contreras and 19-year-old Perris resident Kenyon Lamonte Watson, entered the dispensary’s main retail area.

Contreras and the unidentified accomplice were both armed, authorities added.

The 32-year-old then climbed over a glass display case and placed the barrel of his firearm against the head of an employee that was laying on the flood face down.

“While inside the store, Contreras, Watson, and an accomplice stole cannabis, marijuana products and approximately $500 in cash, all belonging to the store,” the release stated. “The robbers then fled the dispensary, loading the store’s safe and stolen merchandise into the back seat of Watson’s white BMW sports sedan.”

Contreras was arrested two weeks later after a home invasion robbery and a lengthy stolen vehicle pursuit that ended in a crash.

Authorities say the 32-year-old attempted to flee on foot after crashing the victim’s vehicle and tossed a backpack before he was ultimately apprehended.

“Police found a .40-caliber firearm in the backpack,” the release noted. “Both the firearm and the backpack matched those on surveillance video in Contreras’ possession during the August 9 dispensary robbery, as did the trousers Contreras wore during the robbery.”

Contreras, who has several felony convictions, including for second-degree robbery in June 2018, is not legally permitted to own a firearm. He is currently in state custody.

Watson was arrested on Sept. 12, though authorities did not provide any details on the events leading up to his capture. The 19-year-old is being held without bail.

Both men have been charged with robbery, conspiracy and using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Contreras is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“We must send a message of zero-tolerance for violent gun crime,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Under federal law, we have powerful tools to hold accountable those who use firearms to rob businesses and my office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring gun criminals to justice.”

If convicted as charged, the two men could face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

It is unclear if the third, unidentified accomplice has been arrested. No further details were provided.

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