Couple Arrested In Temecula In Connection With Christmas Morning Robbery

TEMECULA (CBSLA.com) — Two suspects wanted in connection with a robbery that occurred at a casino on Christmas morning have been arrested in Temecula, deputies said Thursday.

According to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office, Alfredo Cantu, 30, of Pico Rivera, and Jennifer Alvarez, 32, of Temecula, were arrested during the early morning hours on Tuesday at a Motel 6.

Cantu and Alvarez allegedly committed the robbery around 6 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2015, in a parking structure located at Chumash Casino.

"The investigation revealed the two suspects worked together to lure a male victim to his parked vehicle and then robbed him," said Public Information Officer Kelly Hoover. "The suspects fled the scene in a rental car."

Further investigation revealed the pair were staying at the Motel 6 in Temecula where they were subsequently arrested.

"Sheriff's detectives are investigating the possibility that [the] two suspects are involved in similar crimes at other Southern California casinos," added Hoover.

Cantu and Alvarez are each being held on $1 million bail at the Riverside County Jail.

Police say the couple will be transported to the Santa Barbara County Jail later today to be arraigned on outstanding charges.