San José Police Department Press Release Re: Joseph Rico and Julian Lomeli Arrested for Alleged Robbery
On March 23, 2025, at approximately 2:30 AM, San José Police Department Patrol Officers responded to a report of an armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon that occurred in the 70 block of Phelan Avenue. The adult male victim was walking in the area when he was approached by a vehicle. Three adult male suspects exited the vehicle and all brandished firearms at the victim. The victim wrestled with one of the suspects and was subsequently shot. The suspects took approximately $40,000 worth of items from the victim and fled the scene prior to police arrival.
The SJPD Robbery Unit Detectives began a comprehensive investigation and identified two of the three suspects: Joseph Rico and Julian Lomeli. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspects and search warrants for their associated residences. On May 22, 2025, Suspect Rico was arrested in the city of Mountain House and Suspect Lomeli was arrested in the city of Stockton. Both suspects were booked into Santa Clara County Mail Jail for armed robbery.
The third adult male suspect is still unknown and remains outstanding. Anyone with information on his whereabouts or regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Williams #4766 of the San José Police Department Robbery Unit via email: 4766@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4166.