A suspected robber evaded capture after their two alleged accomplices were taken into custody following an armed theft at a Chula Vista pharmacy, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.
Three masked suspects entered a Ralphs grocery store on East Palomar Street at around 5:15 p.m. Monday, police said.
At least one of the robbers jumped over the counter and began filling a backpack with prescription drugs, CVPD said.
During this time, another suspect demanded money from two employees working a cash register, police said.
CVPD described the suspects as teens wearing masks.
Witnesses told police it appeared one of the robbers at a handgun and another had a possible shotgun.
The suspects allegedly pointed their weapons at the employees, but police confirmed no shots were fired.
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“It makes me feel scared and think I should not come to this store,” said regular Raquel Mendoza.
The in-store pharmacy was closed and surrounded in crime scene tape.
“For this to happen is odd,” said shopper Justy Kozachenko. “It’s a pretty safe Ralphs. This is actually a really safe area. It won't stop me from coming here.”
The three suspects reportedly fled the scene, but CVPD said the trio did not have a getaway vehicle and began to run around the parking lot. Though police later described a potential getaway vehicle as a newer model four-door sedan.
Shortly after, two of the suspects, aged 14 and 15, were found in a nearby canyon seen trying to escape.
The 14-year-old was allegedly carrying a backpack full of stolen medication, and the 15-year-old reportedly had a loaded .40 caliber handgun.
Officers confirmed both teens had active detention warrants for their arrest on unrelated cases. The two suspects were taken into custody.
Police described the final suspect as a boy, aged 16 to 18, who was wearing a jersey of some kind and jeans. He allegedly fled with a shotgun, CVPD said.
No injuries were reported.
Anyone with information is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
