5 Arrested In Connection To Theft, Armed Robbery In Seal Beach

SEAL BEACH, CA — Five people, including three minors, were arrested in connection to a liquor store theft and an armed robbery of two individuals in Seal Beach on Tuesday, police announced.

According to the Seal Beach Police Department, employees at Bay Liquor at 1780 Pacific Coast Highway reported a theft at about 2:09 p.m. Employees told police that five men stole two cases of beer and left in a silver Honda Odyssey.

Police were not immediately able to locate the suspects during an area search.

At about 3:15 p.m. police were dispatched to the scene of an armed robbery in the area of 6th Street and Central Avenue. Two victims told dispatchers that five men robbed them at gunpoint, taking two wallets, two cell phones, a pair of earbuds and car keys before running off.

A short while later police observed a possible suspect vehicle in the area of 1st Street and Pacific Coast Highway and conducted a traffic stop. The driver pulled over and three suspects fled on foot northbound toward the San Gabriel River bike path.

With the help of neighboring police agencies, all three suspects were located and detained without incident. During the search, K-9 officers found a firearm stashed in the bushes along the bike path that was reported to be stolen out of Riverside.

Police believe the gun was used to carry out the armed robbery.

The suspects were identified as three Hispanic boys and two Hispanic adults from Compton. The adults, who remained in the vehicle during the traffic stop, were identified as Jamie Saponguerra, 18, and Jose Barragan, 20.

The vehicle involved was registered to the parents of one of the juvenile suspects. Police said they found the two cases of beer from the Bay Liquor theft inside the car.

The suspects were arrested on charges of robbery, receiving stolen property, assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy, resisting arrest and minor in possession of a firearm. The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact Sergeant Joe Garcia at 562-799-4100 ext. 1649 or jfgarcia@sealbeachca.gov.