A man and woman suspected in a rash of armed robberies in Santa Ana were charged with multiple felonies Wednesday.
Fernando Velasquez, 28, of Santa Ana, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on four felony counts of first-degree robbery, with sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm and criminal gang activity.
Lizeth Carrillo, 21, of Santa Ana, is charged with three felony counts of first-degree robbery, with sentencing enhancements for gang activity. Jail records indicate she is due in court on Thursday.
Velasquez, who was on post-release community supervision, is accused of carrying out four armed robberies and Carrillo allegedly was the getaway driver in three of the crimes.
Investigators believe they may also be linked to other stick-ups throughout the county, according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.
The latest two robberies occurred last Sunday, at a Shell gas station at 2641 N. Bristol St. at 10:37 p.m. and a USA station at 2730 W. McFadden Ave. at 11:07 p.m., Bertagna said.
Velasquez is also accused of evening holdups last Wednesday and Thursday at Game Stop stores at 1030 S. Main St. and 2860 S. Bristol St., respectively.
Carrillo is charged in connection with the robberies on Sunday and last Thursday.
In the Game Stop holdups, the suspect simulated what appeared to be a weapon, Bertagna said. In the gas station heists, the suspect brandished a black handgun, he said.
Velasquez is a documented gang member, and that is what led investigators to him, Bertagna said. He said detectives showed surveillance video photos of the suspect, and the city’s gang crimes officers recognized him.
An officer spotted Velasquez walking down the street in the 400 block of South Maple Street and arrested him Monday night, Bertagna said.
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