The SAPD has arrested two suspects wanted for a series of armed robberies

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Patrol Officers arrest suspect wanted in connection to a series of armed robberies in the city of Santa Ana

SAPD Patrol Officers arrest suspect wanted in connection to a series of armed robberies in the city of Santa Ana. Detectives believe the suspects may be responsible for additional robberies in the Orange County area.

SAPD Robbery Detectives were able to identify suspect Fernando Velasquez as the suspect in a series of four armed robberies in the city occurring from September 19th to the 23rd.

Detectives informed the SAPD Field Operation Officers of the want on suspect Velasquez. On September 24th at approximately 10:00 pm a patrol officer, while on a call for service, sees wanted suspect Velasquez walking in the 400 block of South Maple Street. The patrol officer took the suspect into custody without incident.

Detectives were called in and took over the continuing investigation. Detectives were able to identify the female getaway driver in all four of the robberies as Lizeth Carrillo of Santa Ana. On September 25th at approximately 6:30 am suspect Carrillo was located and arrested without incident.

Arrested:

• Fernando Velasquez (28) Santa Ana, booking charge Armed Robbery (booking photo provided)
• Lizeth Carrillo (21) Santa Ana, booking charge Armed Robbery (booking photo provided)

Santa Ana Robbery Series committed at the following locations:

1. 9/19/18, 9:10 pm, Game Stop Store located at 1030 S Main St. Suspect enters the store simulates weapon. Leaves the scene with an undisclosed amount of US currency.
2. 9/20/18, 8:45 pm. Game Stop Store located 2860 S Bristol St. Suspect enters the store simulates weapon. Leaves the scene with an undisclosed amount of US currency.
3. 9/23/18, 10:37 pm, Shell Gas Station located 2641 N Bristol St. Suspect enters the gas station brandished black handgun. Leaves the scene with an undisclosed amount of US currency.
4. 9/23/18, 11:07 pm USA Gas Station located 2730 W McFadden Ave. Suspect enters the gas station brandished black handgun. Leaves the scene with an undisclosed amount of US currency.

Anyone with any additional information on this robbery series is asked to contact Robbery Detective Prewett at (714) 245-8323 or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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