VISTA–Three juvenile males were arrested Monday for assault and robbery of a man in Vista, the Sheriff’s department said.
On Monday, shortly before 10:30 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a robbery at 25 Main Street in Vista. The victim reported he was punched and robbed by a group of juveniles near the Cinepolis. One of the suspects had a baseball bat. The suspects stole the victim’s wallet and ran off. The victim received minor bruises but was otherwise uninjured.
A deputy was in the area conducting patrols of the Riverwalk when he spotted a group of juveniles matching the description of the suspects and gave chase. The deputy tackled one 13-year-old male suspect and took him into custody. A perimeter was established and, with the assistance of air support and K9 units, two additional male juvenile suspects, ages 14 and 16-year-old, were located hiding in an apartment complex under construction. A knife was found near where they were taken into custody.
The victim was able to positively identify the 13 and 16-year-old males as suspects in the robbery. The 13-year-old had an outstanding Juvenile Detention Order. He was additionally charged with robbery. The 14-year-old was not identified as a suspect in the robbery, but was arrested for vandalism and possession of graffiti tools. The 16-year-old was arrested for robbery. During the altercation, the 13-year-old juvenile sustained a cut lip and chipped tooth. He was evaluated by paramedics and hospital staff, and cleared for booking.
The suspects were also charged with conspiracy and gang enhancements due to their actions being in a criminal street gang. All suspects were booked into Juvenile Hall.
