Fall River Man Sentenced to State Prison for 2016 Armed Robbery

FALL RIVER — A Fall River man has been sentenced to state prison for a 2016 armed robbery of a convenience store.

Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced today that a 39-year-old Jose Tirado-Sanchez was sentenced to serve four years in state prison with two years of probation after his release for the robbery.

Sanchez pleaded guilty in Fall River Superior Court late last week to a three count indictment charging him with armed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and vandalizing property. Assistant District Attorney Michael A. Cahillane and defense attorney Robert Tutino submitted the agreed upon plea to Judge Rene Dupuis, which was accepted.

On January 10, 2016, officers were dispatched to Jarek's Market at 362 5th Street in Fall River. Upon arrival, they located a male victim who had visible scratches to his left cheek and left hand. The victim reported that he had been robbed and showed officers the surveillance video.

Officers observed the suspect, who was wearing distinctive sneakers and black sweatpants, arrive on a black mountain bike that he left parked outside when he entered the store. The suspect immediately attacked the victim with a knife. The victim was able to defend himself with a larger knife and struggled with the suspect, who was able to steal $160.00. During the attack, the defendant kicked the victim and was able to take his knife before he fled. The knife was recovered about 200 feet away from the store.

The victim described the suspect as a 5'8" to  5'11" hispanic male with small tattoos under his eyes, writing on his neck, and a lump on his head. Although the suspect was masked, the victim was able to recognize him as a frequent customer of the store. He was able to find previous video footage of the customer in the store where he was wearing the same pants and sneakers.

The next day, Officer Heather Moniz recognized the male from the surveillance video while on duty. The defendant was wearing the same sneakers and had consistent tattoos and a lump on his head. The defendant also had a bandage on his hand consistent with the struggle with the victim.

“This was an extremely violent robbery in which the defendant showed no regard for the safety of the clerk or any potential customers,” District Attorney Quinn said. “Video surveillance from the store was very helpful  in identifying and apprehending the defendant.”