SCPD Arrest 3 for Armed Robbery & Stolen Car Recovered Victims Lured by “Exotic Dancer” Ad on Craiglist

On Monday, January 16, 2017 at approximately 7:49 am, Santa Cruz Police responded to a report of an armed robbery at a motel in the 600 block of Riverside Ave. Two gentlemen callers had answered a craigslist advertisement seeking a “exotic dance” from a professional dancer in a motel room. The male victims arrived at the motel room and provided money to the woman who they assumed was the dancer.

The woman stated she was going to get the rest of her friends who were also going to dance for them. After she walked out, three black male suspects entered the motel room. The male victims realized that these men were not the dancers they had intended on hiring and became concerned.

When the victim’s asked for their money back, one of the suspects pointed a handgun at them. The suspects told the victims they were keeping their money. Both victims left the room fearing for their safety.

SCPD patrol quickly set up a perimeter around the block and searched the motel rooms. The perimeter search took about two hours to diligently cover the area. Ultimately, SCPD Officers located two of the male suspects on the property and the female suspect inside a room. One male suspect and the gun are still outstanding. 

Denzel Freeman, 20 years old from Modesto

Denzel Freeman, 20 years old from Modesto, was arrested for armed robbery, possession of stolen property and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Timothy Towsel, 18 years old from Ceres CA 

Timothy Towsel, 18 years old from Ceres CA, was arrested for armed robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime. 

Maria Elena Torres, 20 years old from San Jose

Maria Elena Torres, 20 years old from San Jose was arrested for armed robbery and conspiracy to commit a crime.

SCPD Officers also recovered an unoccupied stolen car in the motel parking lot that had been carjacked out of Sacramento. SCPD Officers were able to tie the suspect Denzel Freeman to the stolen car. Mr. Freeman was in possession of the stolen car keys when he was arrested.

SCPD Tips to Avoid Being a Victim of Craigslist Robbery

• Do not meet in a secluded area.
• Do not travel to a location with a large amount of cash
• If someone or something looks suspicious, leave.
• If you are threatened, give the subjects the property they are asking for.

SCPD is dedicated to our community with ongoing efforts to keep Santa Cruz a safe place to live, work and raise a family. Please continue to contact SCPD when suspicious activity occurs in your neighborhood.