Marijuana dispensary raided after robbery

SAN JOSE – 21-year-old Michael Scott Wright was arrested on October 28 for the crime of kidnapping to commit robbery under PC 209(b)(1), in which he isolated and robbed victims in the process of an armed robbery at the “408 Compassion Center” previously located at 2730 Aiello Dr. in South San Jose.

THe 408 Collective sign was once proudly displayed in front of the business center on Aiello Drive

During the robbery an estimated $1500 and six pounds of marijuana was stolen.  False imprisonment was also added to the charges under PC 236-237.  Enhancement charges for the use of a firearm during the robbery were also added.

Neighbors near the facility saw it as a trouble spot, as “riffraff” and other unsavory characters often came around spray painting the bricks while loitering near the business.  The current and previous tenants were aware of several robberies.  But only realizing that one robbery had been reported due to the fact that one individual was “pistol whipped” while others feared for their lives.

Workers near the collective were glad that the marijuana dispensaries were gone or had moved away.  It was later learned that an illegal grow house was located next to the dispensary, which was later raided and closed down. The facility had illegally wired power from PG & E for its “marijuana grow” operation, which was the initial reason for its discovery.  Neighbors said they feel safer now that the dispensaries and grow house are gone.

The 408 Collective was located in Suite B behind an auto repair shop

The suspects Wright and others had pointed a gun at victims intimidating and threatening them with bodily harm if anyone tried calling for help during the course of the robbery.  One victim was struck in the head with a semi-automatic handgun causing minor bruising and swelling.  The suspect who was described as a black male in his mid-twenties wearing dark colored clothing was later identified as Michael Wright.

Follow up investigation with the San Jose Police Robbery Unit provided a photo lineup in which Wright was positively identified by the victim as the person who had robbed him. Other witnesses who saw four assailants entering the facility were also able to identify other assailants they had recognized during the course of the robbery.

Photos – Google Maps/Amy Nilson