Arrests were made Tuesday evening in connection with two armed robberies that happened just hours before in Santa Maria, according to police, who say the crimes have not been linked to a shooting that happened in the city that afternoon.
Santa Maria police say the first armed robbery was reported shortly before 5 p.m. in the area of Dena Way and Lesley Court.
Two people told police that multiple people armed with a gun robbed them and then took off in a dark-colored vehicle.
Less than 30 minutes later, police say someone else reported being robbed in a similar way in the area of Oakley Park.
Police say shortly after the second robbery, officers tried to stop a vehicle with four people inside in the area of Donovan and Lynne Drive.
Authorities say the driver took off and once the pursuit ended, the suspects ran off but were taken into custody a short time later.
Police have not disclosed what was taken during the robberies but say multiple guns were recovered after the arrests of the four suspects, identified as Christian Ambriz, 20, Luis Ruben, 23, and two juveniles.
Their mug shots are not being released at this time "in order to preserve the integrity of this investigation," police said.
The suspects face charges of robbery and a gang enhancement, according to police.
