Moreno Valley teen arrested in armed robbery in Redlands

A teenager was arrested on suspicion of being involved in an armed robbery outside a Barnes & Noble store in Redlands, the Redlands Police Department said.

Officers responded to the reported theft on Sunday, Feb. 11, outside the store at Citrus Plaza, 27460 W. Lugonia Ave.

The victim said he was approached from behind by two men, one of whom tried to grab the victim’s gold chain to rip it off his neck, said a police news release issued April 19.

The victim tried to escape, but gave up the necklace when a suspect indicated he had a gun, the release said.

Detectives used surveillance video and witness statements to identify a 17-year-old Moreno Valley resident as a suspect, police said.

Detectives served a search warrant on Thursday, April 18, in the 12000 block of Alona Street in Moreno Valley and arrested the teenage suspect.

Police found ammunition and the stolen gold chain during the search.

The release said the suspect, who as a juvenile was not identified, was booked into Juvenile Hall in San Bernardino.

While the victim said he was approached by two men prior to the robbery, police spokesman Carl Baker said the department has no information on the second person and no information indicating that he participated in the robbery.

Anyone with additional information can contact Detective Nick Koahou at nkoahou@redlandspolice.org