Robbery Suspects Arrested

are investigating a bank robbery that took place Tuesday in Benicia.

According to Benicia police Lt. Mike Daley, at 1:40 p.m. Tuesday, two masked men armed with handguns robbed the in Southampton Center of an undetermined amount of cash.

A citizen noted the type of vehicle and its license number as the suspects left the scene and reported the information to police. The getaway car was reported stolen from El Sobrante on June 8, police said.

"This town has a history of victims and citizens who step up and give us information," said Daley, noting that the information from the citizen was an important part of the effort to apprehend the suspects.

Police continued to develop leads in the case and were able to trace the suspects to an apartment complex on Alan Court in San Pablo.  Besides Benicia police, officers from the Vallejo Police Department, the Contra Costa Sheriff's Department and the San Pablo Police Department helped in the investigation and arrest of three suspects in the robbery.

Asked how the case unfolded, Daley said, "I need to confirm how we connected the dots in this investigation before I can release any more information."

The suspects were spotted in a car at the Alan Court apartment complex and tried to flee on foot as police approached. Daley said one suspect was arrested quickly while two others were apprehended after a search of the area with canine units from Benicia and Vallejo.

"As with many violent crimes in our community, it appears as though armed criminals from other cities have targeted a Benicia business to victimize," said Daley.  "Once again, we had an alert citizen take notice of the getaway vehicle and provide valuable information."

"The other agencies helping made a big difference in the outcome," he said.  "Without their help the quick arrest wouldn't have happened."