Local is suspected of strong-arm robbery

A Costa Mesa man is scheduled to appear in court today after police arrested him Tuesday on suspicion of a strong-arm robbery.

Fabio Castillo, 21, was arrested by police in relation to an Aug. 28 robbery in the 700 block of 18th Street, authorities said.

According to police, Castillo and another man approached a man at about 10 p.m. as he was walking down the street. Castillo and the man demanded his wallet and his keys, and he gave them up, Sgt. Bryan Glass said. The two men assaulted the victim too, Glass said.

Castillo is in custody in lieu of $500,000 bail.

Police say Castillo is so far not a suspect in other similar robberies that have happened in Costa Mesa in the last few months.

In June, a man walking near Wallace Avenue and Center Street was assaulted by three men; he was kicked until he gave up his wallet and phone, police said.

— Joseph Serna