Two arrested in robbery of avocado pickers
Authorities arrested a 24-year-old man and a juvenile who allegedly targeted a group of avocado pickers on their payday Saturday, robbing and shooting at about 20 workers and wounding two.
Esau Bravo Vasquez and a 16-year-old boy were arrested for the shooting in an avocado grove in the unincorporated community of De Luz, said Riverside County Sheriff’s Inspector Jerry Franchville.
The pair allegedly threatened the group and when the workers tried to run, opened fire. They obtained a very small amount of money from the theft, Franchville said.
Vasquez was booked on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a felony. The juvenile was booked at Riverside County Juvenile Hall.
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