A pair of thieves is suspected in two San Diego County liquor store robberies that occurred less than four miles and 30 minutes apart, and they may be linked to a slew of countywide robberies, the San Diego Sheriff's Department (SDSO) said Saturday.
Espana Liquor at the corner of Jamacha Boulevard and La Presa Avenue was robbed by two men armed with a shotgun at about 8:30 p.m. Friday, SDSO said.
According to witnesses, the suspects struck the store’s clerk over the head with a shotgun. He was transported to the hospital and is expected to be okay.
The suspects made off with an unknown amount of cash from the register, the clerk's cell phone and wallet.
About 15 minutes prior, a liquor store on Robinwood Road in Bonita was robbed in a similar fashion.
In both instances, the suspects were described as two black males armed with a shotgun. Their clothing was described similarly by witnesses at each scene.
The thieves were last seen getting into a black four-door sedan, speeding off towards La Presa Avenue, SDSO said.
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The incidents are the latest in a slew of robberies to hit the East County area in recent weeks.
At least three other robberies have occurred at Spring Valley businesses in the month of December, including at a Godfather’s Pizza, at KT Donuts and at B Beauty Supply and Wig.
SDSO believes the “Grinch Bandits” are responsible for those, as well as at least four other robberies throughout San Diego County.
SDSO said Saturday the latest robberies at two liquor stores are "likely related (to each other) and may be related to a county wide series."
Anyone with information to any of the robberies was asked to call SDSO.
