The SAPD helped the Irvine Police to track down and arrest two robbery suspects

Irvine, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Yesterday, the Irvine Police Department (IPD), with the assistance of the Santa Ana Police Department and the Garden Grove Police Department, arrested 28-year-old Allan Hoang of Monterey Park following a robbery at an Irvine restaurant on January 19, 2022. The Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) arrested an additional suspect, 25-year-old Alanmichael Babauta of Westminster, on January 20, 2022, while driving a stolen vehicle.

On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at about 11:07 a.m., an employee from “All That Barbecue” at 15333 Culver reported a robbery. The suspects entered the restaurant through the rear door, armed with loaded handguns, and demanded all employees gather in the bathroom. One suspect stayed with the employees, demanding their wallets and cell phones, while the second suspect checked for money in the safe and cash register. After finding the safe and cash register empty, the two fled out the rear door, taking the victims’ property with them.

Suspect #1 was described as Hispanic/Asian/Pacific Islander, 20-40 years-old, dark complexion, 5’5”-5’8,” medium build, dark buzz cut hair, zipped hoodie, dark colored sunglasses, missing his left eye.

Suspect #2 was described as a white or Asian male, 20-40 years-old, light complexion, 5’6”-5’9,” medium build, wearing a baseball cap, colored sunglasses, dark colored unzipped hoodie with a cross body tote.

Follow up investigation lead to the identification of Babauta as suspect #1 and Hoang as suspect #2. At the time of Hoang’s arrest, a silver semi-automatic handgun was recovered from his person, similar to the one used during the robbery. In addition, he was in possession of property belonging to the victims. Hoang was an employee of the robbery location in 2017.

Barbauta and Hoang were arrested for robbery, kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment and conspiracy. They are suspected of committing similar crimes throughout Orange County.

If you have any information related to this investigation, please contact Detective Nate Ridlon at 949-724-7494 or email: nridlon@cityofirvine.org.

Since its incorporation in 1971, Irvine has become a nationally recognized city, with a population of 307,670 that spans 66 square miles and is recognized as one of America’s safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine’s enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of Great Park. For more information, please visit cityofirvine.org.