Charges filed in armed robbery

Criminal complaints were filed Tuesday in Yuma Justice Court against two suspects in an armed robbery at a fast-food restaurant over the weekend.

Joaquin Flores, 26, and Edward Stephen Nunez, 28, were each charged with felony counts of armed robbery, aggravated assault and possession of drug paraphernalia in an arraignment before Yuma Justice of the Peace Greg Stewart.

Although no prosecutors were at the hearing, Stewart told Flores and Nunez that the county attorney's office had requested that their bonds be increased, which he agreed to do, resetting the amount to $25,000.

In addition to appointing a public defender to represent them, Stewart scheduled their next court dates — preliminary hearings — for 4 p.m. Dec. 12.

According to Yuma police, shortly after 8 a.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the McDonald's at 2560 S. 4th Ave. for a report of an armed robbery involving a knife.

Once on scene, officers determined that two men — one armed with a knife — threatened an employee and demanded money from him. The victim, however, was able to escape and notify others to contact the police.

Court records indicate that Flores tried to make a deal with the employee to have sex with a woman named “Amanda” for $100, but the employee refused.

Flores and Nunez then followed the victim into the building and into the restroom, where Nunez allegedly pulled a 10-inch knife and took the employee's wallet. The employee, who didn't have any money, convinced Flores and Nunez to let him go to the bank so he would get them $200. Once he was released, the employee reported the robbery to his manager, who called the police.

Police searched the area and within minutes found Flores and Nunez, who matched the assailants' descriptions, and took them into custody.

Nunez later admitted to witnessing the prostitution offer and to being present in the restroom when the knife was drawn, the wallet was stolen and the agreement for $200 was made.

Flores, however, denied asking the victim about prostitution, saying the victim approached them. He admitted to being in the restroom with the victim but said he did not see a knife. He also admitted an agreement was made for the victim to pay them $200.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.