Armed robberies on border prompt probe by county lawmen

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of armed robberies along the U.S.-Mexico border between Oct. 27 and Nov. 1.

On Oct. 27 at 11:03 a.m. deputies were asked to respond to the Nogales Border Patrol station regarding an assault. Aaron Galaviz, 33, said that while attempting to cross into the United States he was threatened by his guide. The guide told Galaviz that he was not going to take him across the border unless he was paid.

“When Mr. Galaviz told the guide he didn’t have any money or valuables, the guide struck him with a rock leaving him unconscious,” said Lt. Raoul Rodriguez of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Rodriguez said Galaviz awoke and walked until he entered the United States. Border Patrol apprehended Galaviz in Bear Valley.

On Oct. 28 at 1:25 p.m. deputies were called to the Nogales Border Patrol station to investigate reports of an armed robbery of three undocumented migrants.