2 Charged in Series of Late-Night Holdups

Two parolees have been charged with armed robbery in connection with a three-week spree of 13 late-night holdups at Antelope Valley mini-markets and gas stations, authorities said Friday.

Christopher White, 30, of Ontario and Joseph Williams, 30, of Littlerock were each charged with four counts of armed robbery Thursday in Lancaster Municipal Court. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies arrested them during a traffic stop in the semi-rural Littlerock area early Tuesday morning, hours after a Lancaster mini-market had been robbed.

A stocking mask was found in the car, which matched the description of the vehicle used in the robbery, deputies said.

During the robberies, masked assailants brandished weapons and threatened and assaulted cashiers, sometimes victimizing two businesses a night, Detective John Kalita said.

The spree, which began Feb. 13, had caused increasing concern among owners of local gas stations and mini-markets that were open late at night, Kalita said.

A total of about $2,700 was stolen in the holdups, he said.

“In some cases they would simulate weapons,” Kalita said. “In others, a gun or a knife was used, or force.”

No victims were seriously injured. “They were just slapped around,” Kalita said.

Williams and White are not believed to have committed all the robberies together, Kalita said. Williams was identified by the victims of four robberies. White was identified by victims in nine other cases but was charged with only four counts because additional charges were not deemed necessary, Kalita said.

Because Williams and White were both on parole, they are being held without bail at Los Angeles County Jail, authorities said.