Police Arrest 2 Suspects In Connection To Robbery, Assault At West Covina JC Penney

WEST COVINA (CBSLA.com) — Police announced Thursday they have arrested two suspects wanted in connection to a robbery and assault at a West Covina JC Penney store.

Roman Daniel Landero, 36, and 24-year-old Monica Belen Ortiz were taken into custody early Wednesday morning after officers received a tip from a citizen who recognized their photos.

The photos, which were released to the public Tuesday, were taken from surveillance video of the crime on Sunday, Feb. 24 at the West Covina Westfield Shopping Center, according to police.

Following the citizen's tip, investigators served search and arrest warrants at a residence in the 1700 block of East "D" Street in Ontario around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

"Both suspects were arrested at the location without incident," the West Covina Police Dept. said in a statement. "The property stolen from JC Penney was recovered in the residence."

A 7-month-old infant was also found at the location and released to a family member, police said.

Landero and Ortiz were reportedly seen inside the JC Penney store placing items onto a baby stroller and trying on shoes, West Covina police said.

The couple then allegedly attempted to exit the store with the items, but was confronted by a Loss Prevention Agent.

"When the Loss Prevention Agent began to approach the female, the male ran up to him and punched him on his face," Officer Rudy Lopez said in a statement. "The male suspect chased the Loss Prevention Agent back into the store where he knocked him down and began striking him several times before running out of the store."

The Agent suffered a fractured nose, cuts, bruises and swelling to the face.

The bail for Landero and Ortiz has been set at $500,000.

Both suspects are expected to appear at the West Covina Superior Court Friday at 8:30 a.m.

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