Keen witnesses help police make short work of fleeing armed robbers

Two Simi Valley residents, both age 19, were recently arrested on suspicion of robbing the 7-Eleven store at 2654 E. Cochran St., as well as three other convenience store robberies committed in Simi Valley during the past month.

Police responded to a call of an armed robbery that had just occurred at the 7-Eleven store at about 10:09 p.m. June 8. A citizen who witnessed the robbery provided a description of the suspects and their vehicle as it fled from the scene.

Three people were located and detained. Further investigation led to the identification and arrest of two suspects in connection to the robbery, Jorge Meldendrez and Anthony Armenta. A third person, a female adult, was questioned and later released.

The weapon used in the robbery, a loaded 9mm semiautomatic handgun, was recovered, along with the clothing worn during the robbery and an undisclosed amount of money believed to have been taken in the robbery.

Melendrez was believed to have been carrying the handgun during each of the four convenience store robberies. Melendrez and Armenta were transported and booked at the Ventura County Main Jail.