Banning police arrest suspect in armed pool parking lot robbery

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ)— Banning police arrested a 19-year-old Beaumont man Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a community pool parking lot.

Police said the robbery occurred around 2:33 p.m. Tuesday at the Atwell Community. According to investigators, the victim had arranged through social media to meet someone to sell a watch. During the meeting, the prospective buyer allegedly brandished a handgun, took the watch without paying and fled in a vehicle.

Banning Police detectives worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team to locate him.

The man was arrested in Hemet on Sept. 30, police said. Investigators said he was wearing the stolen watch when he was arrested, and the firearm allegedly used in the robbery was also recovered.

Detectives later served a search warrant at his residence as part of the investigation.

The man was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of robbery and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, according to police.