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Masked Robbers Steal Thousands From Stranded Motorists

SANTA ANA (CBS) — Three masked men who robbed two women who were fixing a flat tire remain at large Friday, Santa Ana police said.

The victims had withdrawn "a large sum of money from a bank," to help a relative with health problems, authorities said.

According to officials, the women stopped their car when a "good Samaritan" told them they had a flat tire at about 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the 5300 block of West Barbette Avenue.

The man apparently was helping them change the tire when three masked robbers drove up. The robbers, who were wearing black clothes with hoods, demanded the cash and drove away in a small, dark gray compact car with the license plates covered.

The robbers never showed any weapons in the robbery. The suspects were described as men in their 20s. Police interviewed the "good Samaritan" and said he did not appear to have been involved in the heist.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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