Two Men Convicted and Face Life Sentences for Windsor Armored Truck Robbery

Defendant Ivan Morales was convicted today by a jury of premeditated attempted murder of an armored car guard, robbery of an armored car guard, assault with an assault rifle, assault on a police officer and driving a stolen vehicle. 

Defendant Sergey Gutsu had previously pleaded guilty to premeditated attempted murder of an armored car guard, robbery of an armored car guard, premeditated attempted murder of a police officer and driving a stolen vehicle. Defendant Sergey Gutsu pled to all charges and enhancements at the conclusion of the evidentiary portion of the trial. The two cases were heard by separate juries due to evidentiary issues.

District Attorney Ravitch stated “This brazen attack took place in a crowded location, and put many people at risk, in addition to those injured during the assault. The jury rightfully found Mr. Morales guilty and he, along with Mr. Gutsu, rightfully face life imprisonment as a result.”

The charges resulted from a robbery that took place on July 12, 2016. On that date, Loomis armored truck employee Glenn was delivering $30,000 to the Chase Bank in Windsor. While Glenn was making the delivery, defendant’s Ivan Morales and Sergey Gutsu drove up to the Chase Bank in a Suzuki SUV that had been carjacked a few days earlier in Sacramento. 

Defendant Ivan Morales got out of the Suzuki with an AK-47 style assault rifle and shot Glenn multiple times. Defendant Sergey Gutsu grabbed the bag of money. The two defendants fled the scene in the Suzuki, but a few blocks away from the Chase Bank the two defendants switched cars to a blue Chevy Suburban.

Approximately 35 minutes later, the two defendants were observed in Calistoga by Officer Paniagua of the Calistoga Police Department. Officer Paniagua began to follow the defendants in the blue suburban. While following the defendants in the suburban, Defendant Sergey Gutsu jumped out of the driver’s seat of the suburban and began shooting at Office Paniagua. Officer Paniagua, who was still in the driver’s seat of his patrol car, stepped on the gas pedal and collided with Defendant Sergey Gutsu. Defendant Gutsu was arrested at the scene by Officer Paniagua. 

Defendant Ivan Morales ran from the suburban and was apprehended three hours later during an extensive manhunt in Calistoga. Defendant Morales was found hiding in bushes in the Napa River and arrested by members of the Sonoma County Sheriff Department.

Defendant Ivan Morales faces 33 years and 8 months-to-life in state prison for his crimes and is scheduled for sentencing on March 8, 2018.

Defendant Sergey Gutsu faces 51 years and 4 months-to-life for his crimes and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 25, 2018. 

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Chris Honigsberg and Deputy District Attorney Chris Brown and was assisted by District Attorney Investigator Kris Allen. Detective Joseph Horsman of the Sonoma County Sheriff Department headed the investigation.