KGUN 9 On Your Side, Tucson News, Weather & SportsTwo arrests made in Willcox robbery

Two arrests made in Willcox robbery

Web Producer: Ina Ronquillo

WILLCOX, Ariz. (Cochise County Sheriff's Department) - On Friday February 26, 2010 at approximately 12:00 pm the Cochise County Sheriff's Office was advised of a Robbery that had occurred in the community of Cochise southwest of Willcox.  Deputies responded to the residence and located a 71 year old man who was tied up with duct tape in the bedroom. 

The victim advised that two Hispanic men came to his residence on Thursday night looking for food and water. The victim advised that he had provided the food and allowed them to make several phone calls to Mexico and Douglas looking for a ride south. The victim advised the two subjects that they could stay outside of his residence throughout the night, which they did.  On Friday morning one of the subjects asked the victim to heat up some food that he had gotten from a neighbor. The victim then reportedly went inside of his residence closing the door behind him and went to the kitchen to heat the food.  The two subjects had entered the residence without the knowledge or consent of the victim and approached him in the kitchen.  Once inside of the kitchen the subjects grabbed the victim from behind while they held a knife to his throat and threatened him.  The victim advised that the two subjects then secured his hands and feet with duct tape, also taping his mouth with the tape, and placed him on the bed in his room.

The victim advised that the two subjects then took a handgun and some cash from his residence before taking his 1965 Volvo and leaving the scene. The victim advised that he struggled to get off of the bed and began licking the inside of the tape to loosen it from his mouth.  The victim advised that he was able to get the tape away from his mouth and pull the phone off of the side table before dialing 9-1-1 with his tongue.  The victim was then located by Deputies still restrained with the tape on his hands and feet.

With the information provided, the Sheriff's Office issued an attempt to locate for the vehicle to all local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies within Cochise County, Pima County, and Hidalgo County New Mexico. At approximately 1:00 pm the Arizona Department of Public Safety advised that they were behind the stolen vehicle in Douglas and Deputies responded.  The vehicle was stopped and two suspects were taken into custody and booked into the Cochise County Jail.

Both Gilberto Quiroz-Moreno (DOB 12-12-82) and Fernando Quiroz-Moreno (DOB 06-14-74), illegal immigrants from Agua Prieta Mexico, were charged with Armed Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Motor Vehicle Theft, Kidnapping, and Burglary x2.  Both subjects are being held without bond.

The investigation is being continued by the Cochise County Sheriff's Office.