Almost a month ago a 23-year-old transient walked into the 7-Eleven store on W. Yosemite Avenue and robbed the clerk at knifepoint – taking cash from the register and approximately 8 packs of cigarettes before fleeing on foot and disappearing into the neighborhood.

Despite officers having a clear picture of the suspect and surveillance footage that backed up the story of the clerk who notified the police, they were unable to locate the suspect and had not seen him since.

But on Sunday, Manteca Police were finally able to apprehend the man they believe was responsible after an off-duty police officer spotted the man he recognized from the investigation walking down Moffat Boulevard – calling in to dispatchers that were able to send officers to the scene and locate the subject.

Saul Martinez, a 23-year-old transient, was taken into custody by responding officers without incident and charged with robbery and an outstanding warrant for petty theft.

He is currently being held at the San Joaquin County Jail on $110,000 bond, and is set to appear in Department 1 of the Manteca Branch of the San Joaquin Superior Court at 1:30 p.m.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.