Press Release: Monterey County Sheriff Deputies Arrest Subject for Armed Robbery and Brandishing of Firearm in Pajaro
DATE/TIME: 10/07/25 at 11:50 AM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Deputies Arrest Subject Wanted for Armed Robbery and Brandishing of a Handgun in Pajaro
LOCATION: Porter Drive, Pajaro
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 38-year-old male after he was positively identified as a suspect in an armed robbery of a Pajaro restaurant and for brandishing a firearm in the parking lot of a Pajaro convenience store.
On 9/29/25, deputies responded to a report of a victim that had a gun brandished at him in the parking lot of a convenience store located at the intersection of San Juan Road and Porter Drive in Pajaro. The victim reported a male approached him and asked him for money while he brandished a handgun. The suspect reportedly “racked” the gun multiple times before fleeing the area. The victim in this case knew the suspect.
At about 7:00 PM on the same day, deputies responded to a restaurant located on the 70 block of Porter Drive in Pajaro for a report of an armed robbery that had just occurred. Employees reported that a male entered the restaurant holding a gun in his hand and told them he was hungry. The staff prepared food for the suspect who then left without further incident. The suspect description provided was similar to that of the suspect in the incident at the convenience store.
Deputies were able to confirm that the suspect in these investigations was 38-year-old Agustin Ayala Castellanos Ayala of the Watsonville and Pajaro areas.
On 10/6/25, about 10:20 AM, deputies responded to a business on the 100 block of Marsh Lane in Watsonville after learning that Castellanos was supposed to be at that location. Castellanos was located in the office of the business and was taken into custody without incident.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, "From the start, our deputies worked tirelessly to gather information, follow leads, and safely bring Castellanos into custody. Their efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to protecting this community. We will continue to pursue justice and ensure the safety of every resident with the same dedication."
Agustin Ayala Castellanos was booked into the Monterey County Jail for Armed Robbery and Violation of Probation. His total bail was set at $50,000. Additional charges will be sought for Brandishing of a Firearm, Criminal Threats and Violation of Probation.