HIGHLAND – San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies, acting on a report of an armed robbery, arrested a 47-year-old suspect on three different charges.
James Edward Juarez faces a Tuesday date in San Bernardino Superior Court after he was charged with attempted robbery in Saturday afternoon’s attempt to rob another man by using a screw driver as a weapon.
Currently being held on $50,000 bail, Juarez was reported to have demanded money from a man in the area of Orange St. and Highland Ave. The unidentified victim told deputies that Juarez demanded money. When he refused, Juarez reportedly threatened him with the screw driver.
The victim was able to flee, flag down a patrolling deputy, who had already detained Juarez for an unrelated reason. The victim identified Juarez as the assailant, according to authorities.
Deputies said Juarez was first uncooperative, even providing a false name when first detained.
Originally stopped for appearing to be intoxicated, said deputies, he was spotted walking erratically along the roadway.
When deputies learned of the attempted robbery and Juarez’s possible involvement just after they detained him, he was taken into custody. It was not disclosed if the victim suffered any injuries.
Juarez, who is on felony probation, was taken to the West Valley Detention Center, held on charges of carrying a concealed weapon, attempted robbery and crimes related to terrorism, according to court records.
The screw driver was described as a 10-inch long, which is considered a dirk, or a weapon, according to law enforcement.
No charges were yet brought for public intoxication.
