Accused Windsor robbers will be tried on attempted murder in armored car heist

Two men held in a Windsor armored car robbery and chase in which a guard was shot and wounded can be tried on attempted murder and other charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Ivan Morales of Lakeport and Sergey Gutsu of Antelope, both 24, now each face more than 30 years to life in prison if convicted of the July 12 holdup outside Chase Bank.

After listening to a preliminary hearing, Judge Dana Simonds ruled there was sufficient evidence that Morales shot the guard with an AK-47 rifle before making off with a bag containing $30,000 in cash.

She approved a punishment enhancement for using the gun that would add 25 years to any sentence.

Also, the judge said there was ample evidence that Gutsu shot at a Calistoga police officer before the two were caught and arrested.

Gutsu’s act supported a second count of attempted murder, she said.

Both men will be tried on at least six other charges including two counts of armed robbery, assault and possession of a stolen vehicle.

The judge ruled from the bench as the two man sat before her, clad in jail uniforms and surrounded by deputies.

Their next court appearance was set for Jan. 23.

You can reach Staff Writer Paul Payne at 568-5312 or paul.payne@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter?@ppayne.