Three Suspects Arrested In Connection With Armed Robbery Of West Covina Councilman
West Covina (CBSLA.com) — Two men and a woman were arrested Tuesday in connection with the armed robbery of West Covina City Councilman Andre McIntyre.
Bail has been set at $1 million for Jonathan Wattie, 32 of Whittier, Amanda Castro, 22, of Pomona, and Rodney Morris, 21, of South Los Angeles, according to West Covina police officer Rudy Lopez.
The crime occurred on August 8 at about 11:40 p.m. on Fircroft Street.
"It is believed that this case was a random act of robbery, and that Councilmember McIntyre was not targeted because of his position with the city," officer Lopez said.
The three suspects were booked on suspicion of robbery, receiving stolen property, and conspiracy. All three were being held in the San Bernardino County Jail.
"The victim said he had just pulled up to his home and exited his vehicle when he was approached by a male suspect holding a handgun," Lopez said. "The victim said he handed over his wallet, which contained his city councilmember badge. The suspect then ran across the street to a waiting vehicle, described as a white Acura Integra, occupied by a second male. The vehicle sped away."
San Bernardino County Sheriff's detectives, investigating two similar robberies in Upland and Rancho Cucamonga, stopped a vehicle on Aug. 9 that was connected with their case.
"During this investigation, property taken in the robbery, involving the West Covina victim, was found in the occupant's possession," Lopez said. "A handgun was also recovered in the vehicle."
Castro and Wattie were arrested after the vehicle was stopped, and Morris was taken into custody on Monday in Los Angeles.
Detectives, meanwhile, believe the suspects committed additional robberies, according to a press release from the Rancho Cucamonga Police station.
On Saturday, July 29, the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department received a call from a female resident about an armed robbery. The resident reported that she had pulled into her driveway when she was robbed at gunpoint. Detectives later learned that the same suspects had robbed a woman at an apartment carport in Upland earlier that same day.
The suspects allegedly tried to use the victims' credit cards, ATM cards, and checks at a number of businesses.
Detectives recovered a gun, as well as an identification badge, issued to the West Covina councilman.
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