2 Dallas men arrested in alleged cryptocurrency-targeted robbery attempt in San Jose
Police believe there might have been more crimes committed. They remain in custody in Texas awaiting extradition to the Bay Area.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Two Dallas men have been arrested in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a South San Jose home that investigators say may be tied to a broader scheme targeting people believed to have significant cryptocurrency wealth.
The investigation began September 5 after a resident called police, reporting that he had seen two men on his home surveillance camera posing as delivery workers.
The reporting party had called police, stating that via his home surveillance camera he saw two subjects attempting to make a package delivery and one of the suspects wearing a ski mask brandished a firearm," said San Jose police spokesperson Stacie Shih.
Police said the suspects, ages 19 and 20, fled before officers arrived.
Detectives with the department's Robbery Unit launched what Shih described as a "comprehensive investigation," using automated license plate reader technology, including data from the city's Flock camera network, to identify a suspect vehicle.
"Our SJPD robbery unit detectives started a comprehensive investigation and, utilizing automated license plate reader data, were able to identify the suspect vehicle," Shih said.
MORE: 2 men accused of violent robberies, stealing $6.5M in cryptocurrency in Bay Area, LA appear in court
The investigation eventually led authorities to Dallas, where San Jose detectives partnered with Dallas police, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the department's Covert Response Unit.
"On September 24, with assistance of our SJPD covert response unit, Dallas PD, and U.S. Marshals Service, as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety, our detectives were able to locate and arrest the suspects in the city of Dallas," Shih said.
Investigators released photos showing multiple weapons and other evidence seized during the arrests.
Police believe the suspects targeted victims with substantial cryptocurrency holdings and may be connected to crimes in several Bay Area jurisdictions, including Atherton.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.
"Considering that these two suspects came from Dallas and targeted not just San Jose but other jurisdictions, there is a possibility that they could target more people and that they have done that already, so if anyone has any information, please contact our SJPD detectives," Shih said.
The suspects are facing charges including attempted robbery, vehicle theft and firearms offenses.
They remain in custody in Texas awaiting extradition to the Bay Area.
