CONCORD, Calif. — Two men who allegedly robbed a credit union here and then led police on a chase to San Jose, where one of the suspects was shot, have been charged with multiple crimes.

Police said Cruz Vargas, 29, and Elijah Phillips, 21 — both from San Jose — entered the Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union on Detroit Ave. in Concord shortly before 10 a.m. and robbed the staff at gunpoint, Bay City News reported.

Police found their vehicle as they fled, heading south on Interstate Highway 680.

“The suspects’ vehicle and officers encountered heavy traffic in Sunol and the suspects’ vehicle became disabled,” Bay City News stated. “Vargas and Phillips allegedly exited their vehicle and carjacked someone at gunpoint and tried fleeing in the car, but the victim disabled his vehicle before they could escape.”

The report further said the men then allegedly carjacked another victim at gunpoint and fled in their vehicle. 

Pursuit Continues

“The pursuit led to San Jose, where the suspect’s carjacked vehicle collided with another vehicle and became disabled,” the Bay City News reported. “Both men fled on foot, with police pursuing. Vargas allegedly carried a handgun, illegally modified to be fully automatic and with a high-capacity drum magazine. As Vargas allegedly tried carjacking another vehicle, a Concord officer shot him. He was transported to a hospital. Police located and arrested Phillips, who still had the stolen money.”
According to Bay City News, Vargas was on parole for a prior carjacking, and Phillips had active warrants for domestic violence and theft allegations.

Multiple charges have been filed.