Robbers get more than they bargain for

Greg Risling

SOUTH COAST METRO -- Two robbers who stormed an apartment late Wednesday

night may have gotten more than they expected when they barged through a

front door.

The suspects -- one of whom was carrying a gun -- were able to get away

with two cellular phones and about $800 in cash. But they managed their

haul despite the struggles of four victims to keep their belongings.

The confrontation occurred about 10 p.m. when the two men knocked on an

apartment door located in the 1000 block of South Coast Drive. As they

proceeded to locate and steal valuables, one of the residents, a

21-year-old Costa Mesan, lunged for the suspect’s gun. The two wrestled

to the ground fighting for possession of the weapon. The situation grew

more frantic when the suspect fired a shot that ripped through a wall. No

one was injured, and the resident was able to grab the weapon and disable

its ammunition clip.

As soon as it was evident the two robbers were outnumbered, the four

friends jumped them. One of the victims found a baseball bat and began

swinging.

“They figured they would take back their apartment,” said Costa Mesa

police Sgt. Don Holford. “We aren’t sure whether either suspect was

struck with the bat. It was a free-for-all.”

The two men ran out of the apartment with the stolen cash and phones and

fled on foot.

The robbers are described as dark-eyed, clean-shaven Hispanic males

between 18 and 22, both about 5 feet 7 inches and 160 pounds. One man has

short dark hair. the other has dark slicked-back hair.

There weren’t any injuries, but police strongly caution people about

trying to overpower someone with a gun.

“It’s an extremely dangerous situation,” Holford said. “When you are

faced with this kind of situation, you should comply with their wishes.

It’s not worth risking your life when someone tries to steal your

property.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Costa Mesa Police Department

at (714) 754-5281.