Authorities in Orange County are warning the public of two robbery suspects posing as federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement before stealing their victim’s property and cash.
In a press release from the Westminster Police Department, officials said there have been at least two robberies involving matching descriptions of the suspects and the vehicle they used.
The first robbery occurred on June 15 around 12:30 p.m. in the area of Newland Street and Westminster Boulevard.
Police say two men in a blue SUV approached a man riding a bike. Claiming to be undercover immigration agents, they ordered him to stop. They then demanded the victim’s money, saying if he refused, he would be deported.
“After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim, the suspects fled eastbound on Westminster Blvd,” the release stated.
On June 19 around 4:30 p.m., a second male victim was approached by two suspects in a blue SUV as he was walking through a parking lot in the 14000 block of Magnolia Street.
The suspects, one of whom was reportedly wearing a counterfeit ICE badge around his neck, again claimed to be federal agents.
“The victim could see in the vehicle and saw a black handgun in plain view on the center console,” police said. “The suspects demanded the victim’s wallet and stole an undisclosed amount of cash from the wallet before driving away in an unknown direction.”
The suspect wearing the fake badge is described as an adult Hispanic male between the age of 25 and 30 standing around 5 feet 6 inches tall with brown hair and eyes and no facial hair. He was last seen wearing dark sunglasses, a white long sleeve dress shirt and dark colored dress pants.
His accomplice is also described as an adult Hispanic male between the ages of 25 to 30 standing 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing around 210 pounds with black, buzz cut hair, brown eyes and no facial hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue long-sleeved shirt, a gray tactical vest with the word “Security” on it and black jeans.
Anyone who may have been a victim of these suspects or who has information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact WPD Det. Sam Gradilla at 714-548-3778.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or leave tips online at www.occrimestoppers.org.