Not-So-Smart Criminal Tricks? Trying to Return a Coach Purse at Nordstrom in Broadway Plaza Leads to Couple's Arrest

On Wednesday, an Oakland twosome were spotted on a surveillance camera and tied to an attempted holdup of a woman in the lower garage of Broadway Plaza. The very next afternoon--Thursday--the two returned to Nordstrom to return a purse--a Coach purse--and their appearance raised concerns among security, which led to their arrest Thursday in connection with the attempted robbery the day before.

Police announced Friday that they had arrested Hector Cardenas, 20, and Diana Glover, 34, both of Oakland, according to Detective Steve Bertolozzi.

On Wednesday police believe that Cardenas and Glover had come to Nordstrom to return some makeup, Bertolozzi said.

After making the return, the two were in the garage. This was at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to initial police reports. 

Perhaps an opportunity presented itself?

In any event, Cardenas, armed with a BB gun resembling a handgun--says Bertolozzi--approached a woman parking her car in the lower level of Broadway Plaza parking garage. He brandished the weapon and demanded money.

The victim, rather than giving in, got out of her car, essentially asking the robber,"Why are you doing this?" according to Bertolozzi. Her resistance prompted Cardenas to run off--to a white four-door car--which police later said was driven by his girlfriend Glover.

In initial reports, the gunman was described as Hispanic, in his mid-20s, about 5 foot 7 inches, and wearing a possible ponytail. He was wearing a white tank top, dark baggy pants and white shoes.

The woman he was seen with was African-American in her 20s, and with a large build and 5 feet 6 inches tall. She was wearing a black top, white pants and dark shoes.