Three suspects in a pair of armed robberies in Riverside were arrested Tuesday.
Officers responded about 12:20 a.m. to a Starbucks coffee shop in the 1200 block of Blaine Street to investigate an armed robbery at the location, according to the Riverside Police Department.
“An employee was robbed at gunpoint by two suspects, who then fled the business,” according to a police statement. “During the robbery, one of the suspects struck the victim with the weapon, causing injuries to his face and head.”
About 30 minutes later, as officers were investigating that crime, another robbery was reported to be in progress nearby, at a Denny’s restaurant in the 1200 block of University Avenue, police said.
“The same described suspects entered the business armed with handguns,” police said. “They ordered patrons to lie on the ground as they robbed them of their money and cellphones. They also forced the manager to open the safe before fleeing with the stolen property.”
Investigators used the “Find My iPhone” application to track one of the stolen cellphones to a Motel 6 parking lot across the street from the Denny’s and after reviewing security video linked the suspects to a vehicle and a motel room, where three suspects were located and detained.
A search warrant was obtained for the suspects’ vehicle and room.
“Stolen property belonging to several victims was located, as well as the firearm believed to have been used during the commission of the crimes,” police said.
Arrested on suspicion of armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and kidnapping were Bakersfield residents David Martinez and Jose Landeros, both 21.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested and booked into the Riverside County Juvenile Hall for the same charges, along with an outstanding warrant from Kern County, police said.
Detectives said they believed the suspects may have victimized others and urged anyone with information to contact Detective Karla Corbett at (951) 353-7134 or kcorbett@riversideca.gov, or Detective Karla Beler at (951) 353-7138 or kbeler@riversideca.gov.
Information can be emailed anonymously to rpdtips@riversideca.gov.