Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested two men suspected of robbing one victim and attempting to rob another Sunday night in Lake Forest.
Just after 9 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 23000 block of Orange Avenue after a caller reported a man approached him, pulled a handgun and demanded his cell phone and wallet.
The caller described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his 40s wearing a green shirt, shorts and a black backpack.
Eight minutes later, while on the way to the initial call, deputies at 9:11 p.m. were alerted to a second robbery outside a bar near El Toro Road and Muirlands Boulevard.
The victim reported two suspects approached him outside, pulled a gun and demanded his watch. The victim did not turn over his property, and the suspects ran from the scene.
The description of the weapon and one of the suspects matched the first victim’s report. The second suspect was described by the second victim as a Hispanic male his 30s wearing a white polo shirt.
Deputies responded to the area of the robberies and detained two men who the victims later identified as the suspects.
The first victim’s wallet and cell phone were recovered and returned. In addition, deputies recovered a black pellet gun that matched the victims’ description of the weapon used in the crimes.
Lucio Martinez, 38, of Lake Forest, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and attempted robbery. Osman Cano, 29, of Lake Forest, was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery. Both men were booked into the Orange County Jail.
Martinez is in custody and is being held on $50,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday, July 17. Cano, who was on probation at the time of his arrest, is ineligible for bail. Cano also is expected to appear in court Tuesday, July 17.
Thanks to the prompt and thorough reports by each victim, our deputies were able to swiftly and effectively respond to this call. Remember: If you are ever a victim of a crime or a witness to a crime, call 911 and report it immediately.
