Published January 19 2023
Three prolific robbery suspects have been arrested and charged in a series of violent crimes throughout King County. The two-month-long crime spree began October 12 when Daniel Recinos, Cesar Sandoval, and Ricardo Valencia-Alvarez began using vehicles they stole during violent carjackings and kidnappings to commit armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores. These crimes occurred throughout King County, including Bellevue, Burien, Kent, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Seattle. The trio allegedly threatened the clerks with pistols and even fired a shot inside the Renton business.
“These three suspects are charged with violently robbing multiple businesses without regard for the employees they traumatized,” stated Captain Shelby Shearer. “We appreciate our partners in the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office who worked closely with us to ensure these dangerous individuals were taken off the streets.”
During the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence of the suspects bragging about the robberies. Working with Seattle Police, the King County Sheriff’s Department, and other affected agencies, investigators were able to identify and arrest all three suspects. Investigators with multiple agencies served warrants at Recinos’ apartment in Bellevue, Sandoval’s home in Seattle, and Valencia-Alvarez’ apartment in Auburn. Detectives recovered pistols used during the robberies, stolen property, and other evidence tying the suspects to the crimes.
Racinos is charged with five counts of First-Degree Robbery, one count of First-Degree Kidnapping, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He’s in jail on $1 million bail. Valencia-Alvarez is charged with seven counts of First-Degree Robbery and is in jail on $750,000 bail. Sandoval is charged with nine counts of First-Degree Robbery and is in jail on $1 million bail.
Case # 22-57117