Incident Overview
In a troubling incident that unfolded earlier this year, authorities in Concord have unveiled security camera footage capturing a dramatic crime spree involving armed robbery, multiple carjackings, and an officer-involved shooting. The event took place on the morning of April 21, 2025, when two suspects embarked on a crime wave that would ultimately lead to a high-speed chase extending over 50 miles to San Jose.
Details of the Robbery
The Concord Police Department released a carefully curated video presentation on Friday, providing insight into the events that transpired. At approximately 9:40 AM, two masked individuals entered the Diablo Valley Credit Union located on Detroit Avenue. Armed with a handgun, they threatened bank tellers and made off with an undisclosed sum of cash.
Pursuit and Carjackings
Following the robbery, a Concord police officer identified the suspects’ getaway vehicle on Monument Boulevard near Interstate 680, prompting a chase that saw the suspects heading south on I-680. As they approached Sunol, heavy traffic forced the suspects to abandon their vehicle after it became disabled. Desperate, they attempted to carjack a nearby Tesla at gunpoint; however, the vehicle’s driver managed to thwart their escape by disabling his own car. The suspects then successfully executed a second carjacking, where they targeted a family—a mother and her two children—who thankfully escaped unscathed.
The Confrontation
During the pursuit, a Concord police corporal on a motorcycle arrived at the scene and checked on the victims of the second carjacking. The chase continued into San Jose, where officers followed the suspects onto surface streets, capturing dashcam footage that showcased their reckless driving, including running red lights and speeding in excess of 60 miles per hour. The pursuit concluded on Mabury Road, where the suspects crashed their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
In a critical moment, one suspect, later identified as Cruz Vargas, brandished a handgun—a high-capacity magazine visible—while attempting to carjack yet another vehicle. An officer, responding to the imminent threat, shot Vargas. He was subsequently apprehended after a brief foot chase and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Arrests and Charges
The second suspect, Elijah Phillips, was captured shortly thereafter by San Jose police officers. He was discovered in possession of cash stolen from the credit union.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office has leveled numerous charges against Vargas, which include:
- Three counts of felony robbery
- Felony evading
- Two counts of carjacking
- Attempted carjacking
- Possession of a machine gun
- Hit-and-run
Phillips faces similar charges, including:
- Three counts of felony robbery
- Two counts of carjacking
- Possession of a machine gun
Ongoing Investigations
The incidents surrounding the bank robbery, the subsequent carjackings, and the police chase are under investigation by the Concord Police Department. Concurrently, the San Jose Police Department and the Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office are looking into the police shooting incident.
As per jail records, both Cruz Vargas and Elijah Phillips remain in custody, with their next court appearance scheduled for July 10, 2025.
Key Incident Details
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | April 21, 2025 |
| Location | Concord, then San Jose |
| Suspects | Cruz Vargas (29), Elijah Phillips (21) |
| Charges | Robbery, carjacking, possession of a machine gun |
| Next Court Date | July 10, 2025 |
