Man Suspected in 2 Fast-Food Stickups Is Jailed

LAGUNA HILLS —  A man who reportedly robbed two South County fast-food establishments at gunpoint Tuesday has been arrested by sheriff’s deputies.

Richard Matthews, 34, of Tustin was booked at Orange County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery after being stopped in his truck.

Orange County Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Dan Martini said Matthews appeared at the drive-up window of the two establishments, ordered food and, when asked to pay, displayed a revolver and demanded money.

The first robbery occurred shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday at Burger King Restaurant, 23641 Rockfield Blvd., in Lake Forest.

Martini said Matthews went through the drive-through lane directly to the order window and ordered a hamburger. He then allegedly produced a blue-steel handgun and forced the cashier to turn over $87.

Matthews drove away in a dark blue pickup truck with the license plate covered by a paper bag, according to Martini.

At 9:17 p.m. the same day, deputies received a report that a man matching the description of the suspect in the earlier robbery had taken $200 from a Wendy’s restaurant at 24671 Alicia Parkway in Laguna Hills.

Shortly afterward, officers spotted a blue Mitsubishi pickup truck at Irvine Center Drive and Jeffrey Road in Irvine and stopped it.

Matthews surrendered without a struggle, and Martini said he has been identified as a suspect in both robberies.

All money taken in the thefts was found in Matthews’ truck, Martini said.