Arrest in Robbery, Beatings at El Cerrito Cleaners

A 51-year-old man from Vallejo was jailed March 30 after he was linked to a February 7 robbery and beatings of the husband-and-wife owners of a dry cleaners in the 6100 block of Potrero Avenue in El Cerrito, according to the Contra Costa Times.

With the aid of surveillance video, police were able to identify the white Chrysler minivan driven by the robber who escaped with cash and some personal belongings of the business owners, the newspaper said. Police said the couple were treated for their injuries at a hospital, according the Times.

The minivan was traced to Gerald Hudson, a parolee living in Vallejo, the paper said. Police said they didn't find him when they went to his home, but he later agreed to anwer questions at the El Cerrito police department, where he was subsequently arrested for investigation of robbery, assault and parole violations, the paper reported.

The newspaper did not name the cleaners. OK Cleaners at 6109 Potrero Ave. in El Cerrito was robbed and a man and woman inside beaten by a robber on Feb. 7, police told Patch shortly after the crime.

Asked for the confirmation of the Contra Costa Times report and further details, El Cerrito police told Patch this past Wednesday that they will provide information about the arrest in a future press release. We will post any new information after the press release is issued. 

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