Man arrested in Central El Paso in aggravated robbery, arson cases
Aaron Martinez
A man wanted in a string of aggravated robberies was arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire at a vacant Central El Paso home, officials said.
Jesus Bernal, 56, was arrested March 26 after El Paso police saw him walking in the 3700 block of Montana Avenue, El Paso Police Department officials said.
Bernal allegedly fled from the officers, who were attempting to stop him after recognizing Bernal through surveillance photos from the scenes of three robberies, officials said.
The officers caught and arrested Bernal in the 3700 block of La Luz Avenue, officials said.
Bernal was wanted in connection with the aggravated robberies of the Oasis Restaurant, 3524 Pershing Drive, on March 8; Casares Burritos, 6211 Airport Road, on March 12; and Poco Loco Discount Store, 3316 Fort Blvd., on March 26.
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He allegedly used a gun in each robbery, officials said.
During their investigation, officers discovered that Bernal also was wanted in an arson case, officials said.
According to El Paso Fire Department officials, Bernal was wanted in connection with a March 8 fire at a vacant house in the 2600 block of Morehead Avenue near Alabama Street.
An arson investigation was conducted by the El Paso Fire Marshal's Office, which identified Bernal as the suspect, officials said.
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No injuries were reported in the fire in which 33 firefighters responded, officials said. The house suffered an estimated $47,000 in damage, officials said.
Bernal was arrested on one count each of arson and evading arrest, as well as three counts of aggravated robbery.
He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on March 27 on a bond totaling $350,000. He had yet to post bail as of Saturday, jail logs show.
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Aaron Martinez may be reached at 546-6249; aamartinez@elpasotimes.com; @AMartinez31 on Twitter.