Soledad Police arrest three people connected to armed robbery

SOLEDAD, CALIF. (KION-TV)- Soledad Police have arrested a total of three people in connection to an armed robbery Wednesday night.

According to officials, officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at Soledad Valley Liquor on Front Street. Two 13-year-old males entered the business when one of them pulled out a large knife and demanded that the clerk give them everything. The suspect with the knife then tried to stab the clerk several times.

Officers happened to be in the area and found all three suspects fleeing on foot. Officers chased them on foot when one of the suspects was caught. The other two fled in different directions. To try and catch them, a perimeter was set in place. With help from the Greenfield and King City Police Departments, the second suspect was found and arrested.

During the investigation, the third suspect involved in the robbery was identified. Officers then conducted a probation compliance check at his home where the suspect fought officers, but was eventually taken into custody. The knife used in the robbery and attempted stabbing was also recovered.

19-year-old Israel Villa was booked into the Monterey County Jail, and the two 13-year-old's were booked into the Monterey County Juvenile Hall.