San Ysidro

Two armed robbers were beaten by a group of people attempting to cross the border near the San Ysidro port of entry, San Diego police said.

Police spokesman Bill Robinson said the robbers preyed on people as they crossed the border on a levee about half a mile west of the port of entry. A crowd of people then defended themselves by beating the men with their fists, Robinson said.

Robinson said four men and one woman were arrested and are being held in County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery. An unidentified suspect is unconscious at UC San Diego Medical Center, Robinson said.

Robinson said three knives and a folding screwdriver were retrieved from the scene, along with a $450 watch and $200 in cash.

Since January, 13 robberies have been reported in this area. However, the actual number is unknown because victims afraid of being deported to Mexico often avoid reporting the crimes, Robinson said.