Three Pittsburg teens arrested after robbery of auto-parts store

OAKLEY -- Police are looking into whether a trio of Pittsburg teenagers arrested earlier this week is responsible for a string of recent armed robberies at auto parts stores and other businesses in Central and East Contra Costa.

Oakley Police and Contra Costa Sheriff's deputies nabbed the three teenagers, ages 16, 17, and 19, Tuesday afternoon following the armed robbery of Kragen Auto Parts at 100 E. Cypress Road in Oakley, Oakley Police Chief Chris Thorsen said.

Officers responding to the holdup report around 3 p.m. spotted a white Chevrolet sedan fitting the getaway car's description going eastbound on Highway 4. The car turned onto Del Antico Avenue before it stopped and three occupants jumped out and started running, Thorsen said.

Two of the teens were taken into custody near the car, while the third was apprehended a few blocks away. All were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery.

Police also recovered a handgun nearby, Thorsen said.

The two juveniles are being held at Juvenile Hall and the adult, whose name was not released, was booked at County Jail in Martinez.

Oakley investigators are working with detectives in Antioch, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek to determine whether Tuesday's robbery is connected to a series of holdups at Kragen Auto Parts stores, liquor stores and other businesses in those cities, Thorsen said.

source : www.mercurynews.com