ALBERT LEA – On May 9, 2014 at approximately 5:48 AM, Officers from the Albert Lea Police Department were dispatched to the Midwestern Inn in Albert Lea reference an attempted robbery with a handgun. Officers determined the robbery occurred approximately 60 minutes earlier and that the suspect was demanding the keys to the victim’s vehicle. The victim locked herself in the office and the suspect left without taking the vehicle. It was determined that the suspect was a registered guest. Officers checked the room that was registered to the suspect and found that it was empty. The room was then processed for evidence.
On the same date at approximately 6:52 AM, Officers were dispatched to Americas Best Value Inn reference an attempted robbery with a handgun. The suspect description was virtually identical to the suspect at Midwestern Inn and the suspect was again attempting to take a vehicle. It was determined that the suspect was unable to start the vehicle and the victim was able to retreat to his room.
The Albert Lea Police Department, Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol thoroughly searched the area for the suspect. Thanks to a citizen tip, the suspect was located in the area of SE Marshall and Blake Ave. The suspect was taken into custody without incident at approximately 7:30 AM.
Armando Gonzales (52 YOA) of Wisconsin was arrested and transported to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center. Gonzales is charged with two counts of Aggravated Robbery, Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft, Tamper with a Motor Vehicle and Theft.
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