DNA evidence helps Bensalem police catch robbery suspect

A man who claims he was assaulted and robbed of $150 provided Bensalem police with a bare-bones description of the three suspects.

But his genetics played a part in helping police catch one of the alleged attackers.

The inside cheek of the bloody victims mouth was swabbed to obtain a DNA profile after the robbery on the 3100 block of Knights Road on April 27, police said.

That same day, police spotted 21-year-old Bensalem resident Demetris Agosto a short distance from where the robbery was reported, according to a probable cause affidavit. He fit the suspect description, and ran when police approached, court records show.

After he was captured, bloodstains were found on his pants and shoes, which were seized as evidence, police said.

Bensalem Detective Michael Moretti took a DNA swab of a red stain on one of Agostos shoes and it turned out to be a hit, or match, to the swab taken from Ernie Gonzalezs mouth, court records show.

Agosto is charged with felony robbery, and misdemeanor simple assault, theft and receiving stolen property. He was arraigned before Bensalem District Judge Leonard Brown Tuesday and sent to Bucks County prison in lieu of 10 percent of $100,000 bail.

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DNA evidence helps Bensalem police catch robbery suspect