A Baras resident who was arrested for robbery in Bato town found himself in deeper trouble after the police found dried marijuana in the toolbox of his motorcycle the other week.
The Catanduanes Police Provincial Office said twin criminal charges for robbery with intimidation of person and possession of dangerous drugs have been filed before the Provincial Prosecution Office against Miguel Mendoza.
The report stated that the victim was sleeping beside his son inside their house at San Andres, Bato at around 3 PM of Dec. 14, 2024 when he suddenly awoke and noticed a hand protruding through the window and dragging his bag.
He immediately got up and called for help from neighbors, running after the suspect who was already on board his get-away motorcycle.
Mendoza allegedly used his safety helmet to hit the victim and then ran away, leaving behind the motorcycle but carrying with him the key and around P10,000 stolen from the victim.
Elements of the Bato PNP Motorist Assistance Center at the BIMASANCA area immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and led to the arrest of the suspect, who was positively identified by the victim.
A search of the motorcycle’s toolbox yielded a piece of plastic containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana.