A Chula Vista man who held up a taco shop where he used to work has been sentenced to five years in state prison after pleading guilty to committing two robberies.
Victor David Bernal, 23, initially avoided being identified by old friends at the El Ranchero Taco Shop by wearing a ski mask during the first robbery on Nov. 23, 2013. He further disguised himself by wearing camouflage fatigues and a tactical vest.
But employees noticed the robber knew the secret location where they kept some cash in the restaurant at 1324 Third Ave. in Chula Vista.
Bernal was charged with robbing the restaurant three times, twice at midnight and once at 5 a.m.
He was also charged with holding up a 7-Eleven at 1482 Hilltop Drive on Oct. 28, 2013. Two robberies were dismissed after he admitted to two hold-ups.
Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Garry Haehnle denied probation and gave him credit for serving 156 days in jail.
When Bernal pleaded guilty, he agreed to accept the five years, said Deputy District Attorney Matthew Williams.
Bernal used an air soft pistol in the hold-ups, said Williams.
Chula Vista Police arrested him Jan. 14.
