Second man arrested in robbery of suspected drug dealer being watched

A second suspect remained in custody Wednesday in the robbery of an alleged drug dealer while he was under surveillance by police.

Michael Bruce Roberts, 31, was booked into the Carson City Jail on suspicion of felony robbery and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia Tuesday after his 4:10 p.m. arrest at Lompa Lane and Carmine Street.

According to the arrest report, Special Enforcement Team officers were preparing to arrest Ronald Lee Mitchell, 41, after he allegedly sold methamphetamine to an undercover informant.

When officers went to Mitchell's place at Camp N Town about 3 a.m. Monday, Roberts walked out the front door and rode off on his bicycle, ignoring commands to stop, according to the report.

Moments later, Thomas Rivera, 36, walked out of the door. Officers then spotted Mitchell with a "large bump on his head, blood all over his face and blood pouring from his nose."

When asked what happened, Mitchell told officers Roberts and Rivera had just robbed him, according to the report.

"Ron said when he exited the residence they encountered us and the timing could not have been better," the report states.

According to police, Rivera pinned Mitchell to the bed and beat him in the face while Roberts rummaged through Mitchell's things. When Roberts had allegedly gathered all Mitchell's cash and methamphetamine, Rivera got off Mitchell and the two began to leave.

Mitchell was arrested on suspicion of sale of a controlled substance related to the sale of methamphetamine to the police informant. His bail was set at $20,000.

Rivera was charged with robbery, false imprisonment and trafficking. His bail was set at $40,000.

Roberts bail is also set at $40,000.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.