HARLINGEN — A pair of local men have been arrested in connection with a robbery at a motel.
Police were called Wednesday at 4:17 a.m. to Su Casa Inn and Suites on West Tyler Avenue regarding a disturbance.
While there, officers made contact with a woman who told police two men identified as Derrick James Hazelwood, 31, of Harlingen, and Pedro Saldivar, 36, of La Feria, entered the motel and demanded money while holding a knife and a handgun.
During the investigation, police were able to connect Hazelwood to a Jan. 30 crime.
Police say he stole a car valued at $23,000 from the 400 block of North O Street. A police chase ensued and ended in the San Juan area when Hazelwood bailed out of the car and managed to evade capture.
Hazelwood was arraigned on an aggravated robbery charge and theft of a motor vehicle charge with bond totaling $115,000.
Saldivar was arraigned on an aggravated robbery charge with bond set at $75,000.
Police Chief Jeffry Adickes conveyed a message to those on his Facebook page who dare to break the law in what he refers to as a vibrant, active, safe, and family orientated community that will not tolerate criminal gangs, violence, illegal drugs, theft and burglary.
“At HPD, we are open 24 hours and we have highly-motivated front-line patrol officers, area detectives, major crimes detectives, organized crime detectives, crime fusion personnel, and leadership who will work diligently with our law enforcement partners to find you, arrest you, and present you for prosecution by the citizens you have victimized,” he said.
The goal of a police department is not only to eliminate crime but also help those criminals who seek a change.
“If you choose to change your path, the Harlingen Police Department stands ready to support you without question in finding resources to make a positive change for you and your family,” Adickes stated.
“We hope you choose change.”
