San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog

Chula Vista suspected mall robbers were taken into custody Thursday.

In the Chula Vista shopping mall, three people were arrested and taken into custody for armed robbery. The robbery occurred Thursday evening at the Footaction USA, a store in the Chula Vista mall located on Brodway and H Street. According to Chula Vista Police Lt. Daniel Hardman, it was reported that two males went into the store armed and ordered the employees to the back and then commanded that they give them cash and shoes. The alleged robbers tried to exit the store through the back door but were unable to immediately get out so during this confusion, an employee slipped out unseen to contact the authorities.

The suspects, identified as 24 year-old Lukmond Muhammad and 23 year-old Anthony Bolden, were spotted by officers arriving to the scene. Muhammad and Bolden were seen running from the south parking lot onto Fifth Avenue where they then split up as they entered a residential area. Police tracked down Muhammad who was then arrested and then used canine units and a helicopter to look for Bolden but were unable to find him. Muhammad’s 21 year-old wife, Patria, was also arrested for being an accomplice as the getaway driver. Police recovered all stolen property. Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge reported that “based on information, evidence we have we believe she was well aware of what was going on”.

Bolden was arrested and taken into custody Friday afternoon at his San Diego home. The authorities also searched Muhammad’s residence and found evidence that connects the two suspects to another 10 armed robberies throughout San Diego County. Chula Vista police Lt. Lon Turner said “some items were items of clothing that may be involved in helping us identify other potential robberies”.

Suspected Mall Store Robbers In Custody, 10news.com, December 16, 2011

Mall heist suspect nabbed by police dog, signonsandiego.com, December 16, 2011