Robbery Investigation Opens

Officers responded to an armed robbery Sept. 2, 2016 at 1:30 a.m. that occurred at the ARCO/AMPM located at 1240 E. Washington, Colton. The victim stated that a Hispanic male adult brandished a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. A vehicle was seen leaving the area. Officers located the suspect vehicle and three suspects were taken into custody. All three suspects, Arnold Samel, 23; Michael Escutia, 32 and Yvonne Flores, 21, were booked into county jail. On Aug. 31, 2016 at 11:00 p.m., officers responded to the 7-11 located at 1035 S. Mt. Vernon, Colton in reference to a robbery. The weapon used was also a handgun and the suspect description matched one of the suspects arrested on Sept. 2. Evidence led to the arrest of Samuel for the additional robbery. The investigation is still on-going and anyone with any information is encouraged to call the Colton Police Department.