Man Arrested, Charged in Connection with Carjacking |
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FBI San Juan Division
Special Agent Moises Quiñones
April 11, 2013
SAN JUAN, PR—On April 11, 2013, Julio Humberto Colon-Ortiz was taken into custody by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Julio Humberto Colon-Ortiz is charged with carjacking.
The criminal complaint alleges that on April 9, 2013 at approximately 6:00 p.m. LPS, an adult male, was working in the LPS Wood Distribution, Caguas, PR. While relocating pallets with a fork lift, LPS noticed an individual’s leg through the fork lift. LPS exited the machinery to approach the individual, thinking the individual was a customer. When LPS came in contact with the individual, later identified as Julio Humberto COLON-ORTIZ, the subject pointed a black gun in LPS’s face and directed LPS not to look at him and not to scream.
LPS immediately recognized the subject as Julio Humberto COLON-ORTIZ, an employee who worked for him in LPS Wood Distribution for the past few months.
LPS complied and simultaneously asked COLON-ORTIZ not to hurt him, offering money in exchange for his well being. COLON-ORTIZ threw LPS to the ground and tied LPS up with an extension cord. COLON-ORTIZ put the gun to LPS’s neck and began searching LPS. COLON-ORTIZ took LPS’s cellular phones, car keys, and approximately $2,000 in cash from LPS. COLON-ORTIZ told LPS not to move, then COLON-ORTIZ exited the establishment.
When LPS heard the gate close to the establishment, LPS got up from the floor and began freeing himself from the restraints. LPS exited the establishment to seek assistance. As LPS was traveling to Morales Garage, a nearby business, LPS noticed his 2012 red Toyota Tacoma truck was missing. Inside the Toyota Tacoma was a briefcase which contained approximately $3,000 in cash and checks. The $3,000 represented the profits from LPS Wood Distribution that had yet to be deposited at the bank. COLON-ORTIZ also took LPS’ check book during the carjacking.
Later PRPD recovered LPS’ red Toyota Tacoma on April 9, 2013, near a church in Caguas. The weapon used by COLON-ORTIZ during the robbery was recovered after police arrived on scene at LPS Wood Distribution. LPS positively identified the weapon as the weapon used by COLON-ORTIZ during the robbery.
PRPD placed COLON-ORTIZ under arrest on April 10, 2013, at his second place of employment, where he worked as a supervisor in a sanitation plant.
After being advised of his Miranda rights and waiving those rights, COLON-ORTIZ did not admit to committing the robbery or the carjacking.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment for taking a vehicle from a person by force and violence or by intimidation (carjacking).
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) Normary Figueroa-Rijo and is being investigated by the Safe Our Streets Task Force (SOS) composed of personnel from the FBI, Police of Puerto Rico, and the San Juan Municipal Police.
The public is reminded that a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.