By Vicki Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- A suspect was captured on Wednesday in regards to a November robbery in Desert Hot Springs.

During the early morning hours of Friday November 6, 2009, three males reported to be armed with semi-automatic rifles robbed a subject whose vehicle had broken down and who was on the side of the road on Don English Road north of Hacienda. They took his cell phone, passport and $50 in cash. One of the suspects, Robert Steinruck, was located by patrol officers the next day and arrested. Unfortunately there was not enough information known at the time to hold him in custody, and he was released.

Subsequent to Steinruck being released, detectives continued to investigate this incident. Last week, armed with additional information obtained during this investigation, Detective Kris Arthur requested and obtained a $1 million felony warrant for Steinruck’s arrest—charging robbery and possession of a weapon by a felon.

On Wednesday, detectives drove to Indio and found Steinruck walking in the area of King Street. They arrested him without incident. Based on Steinruck’s criminal history, a conviction on this case could land him in prison for the rest of his life.

Two other persons were involved in this robbery. They were described as Hispanic males, aged 20-30, wearing dark clothing. They were driving a white Volkswagen Jetta at the time of the crime. Anyone having information which may help us identify the other two suspects is asked to call the Sgt. Dan Bressler at the Desert Hot Springs Police Department as soon as possible. The number is (760) 329-2904.