KFC would-be robber charged with two other holdups

By Neal Putnam

The suspect arrested for an attempted robbery at a KFC restaurant in Ramona has been charged with two other robberies, but not with a series of other holdups in Ramona.

Raul Cruz, 34, is charged with a robbery at the Circle K store in Ramona on Dec. 16, which occurred hours before the failed robbery attempt at KFC at 1025 Main St. He is also accused of holding up the Valero service station on Dec. 12.

Cruz appeared before an El Cajon Superior Court judge and was given a preliminary hearing date of Feb. 14. He has pleaded not guilty to all 15 counts.

Deputy District Attorney Heather Trocha said Cruz is charged with burglary, robbery or attempted robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon in each of the three incidents. He is also charged with two counts of false imprisonment.

Additionally, Cruz is charged with receiving stolen property, concealing a weapon in a car and on his person, and possession of a gun by a drug user. He was arrested Dec. 17 by sheriff’s deputies.

Cruz allegedly demanded cash from KFC employees around 8 p.m., but fled without taking any money on Dec. 16.

Around 1:45 a.m., Cruz allegedly displayed a gun to a clerk at the Circle K store at 704 Main St. while wearing a mask. He escaped with cash.

Cruz remains in the South Bay Detention Facility on $500,000 bail.

There have been six other armed robberies in Ramona since July at various businesses.