Staff Writer

Morgan Hill - A Gilroy man was arrested early Friday morning after he allegedly used an Airsoft gun to rob a gas station.

Sabino Huerta, 24, was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery, possession of methamphetamine, suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance and violation of parole.

The store clerk was not injured during the robbery.

Morgan Hill police Cmdr. Joe Sampson said a clerk at the Chevron gas station at 15865 Monterey Road called police at 5:13am Friday.

She told police that a Hispanic male adult had entered the business and bought a pack of cigarettes, Sampson said. After he paid for the cigarettes, he allegedly reached into his waistband and pulled out a gun, the clerk told police. 

Sampson said Huerta then pointed the gun at the clerk and stared at her without speaking. The clerk then fled into a back room of the station and called police. 

She said Huerta did not immediately leave the store, but tucked the gun back into his waistband, walked to the store's cooler and took out a bottle of water. After looking around the store for while, Huerta walked out of the store and into the arms of police. Several officers were waiting for him outside the store and drew their weapons as he exited. Officers ordered him to the ground where he was arrested. 

As they searched Huerta, officers found methamphetamine in his position, along with a clear plastic Airsoft handgun with a bright orange tip.

Marilyn Dubil Marilyn Dubil covers Morgan Hill education and public safety for South Valley Newspapers. Send her an e-mail.