On Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at approximately 11:14 a.m., three teenage girls attempted to rob Wrightwood Fine Foods grocery store.
The young individuals reportedly entered the store and put items into their backpacks. When they tried to leave with the items, the employees at the store attempted to stop them. One of the young individuals showed a knife to an employee, while another sprayed a chemical agent in the employee’s face. All three suspects then fled the scene.
Deputy R. Montoya and Deputy C. Padilla were flagged down by employees outside Wrightwood Fine Foods Market, where they informed the deputies that the market had just been robbed. The employees were able to provide descriptions of the suspects, and deputies immediately started canvassing the area.
Meanwhile, the juveniles crossed Highway 2, heading toward the bus stop located in front of Hollis M. Stewart Park, next to the Wrightwood CSD building. As the suspects attempted to board a Victor Valley Transit bus, a bystander who witnessed them fleeing, ran and successfully stopped the bus from leaving.
As the teenagers exited the bus, Wrightwood CSD employees who were working that day followed the suspects into Veterans Memorial Park, where they were able to locate two of the three suspects until police arrived to detain them shortly after.
The final suspect was last seen fleeing from the downtown Wrightwood area into the residential neighborhood as more deputies were called in to patrol the area.
The guardians of the two detained suspects were contacted, and with the assistance of one of the guardians, the final suspect was reached on her cell phone, and her location was obtained. Deputies found and detained her on the corner of Lark Road and Pine Street in Wrightwood at approximately 2:30 p.m. that day.
The owners of Wrightwood Fine Foods mentioned that they are thankful for the increased police presence in Wrightwood due to the Bridge Fire. They also confirmed that the employee who was assaulted by the teen did not suffer any serious physical injuries and is doing fine.
Two of the three juveniles, a 14-year-old and a 16-year-old, both residents of Victorville, were arrested and booked at the High Desert Juvenile Detention and Assessment Center.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy R. Montoya at the Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station at 760-552-6800. Callers can remain anonymous by contacting We-Tip at 800-78-CRIME or visiting www.wetip.com.
