MISSION HILLS : Man Suspected in 20 Robberies

A 22-year-old Northridge man shot by police during a robbery attempt at a Mission Hills fast-food restaurant has been identified as a suspect in as many as 20 robberies in the San Fernando Valley, authorities said Wednesday.

Joel Peter Clark is a suspect in a string of robberies in the Devonshire, West Valley and Foothill police divisions, Lt. Kyle Jackson said. The robberies began in April at fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and gas station mini-marts, Jackson said.

Police also took Clark’s girlfriend, Melissa Hoffen, 22, of Northridge, into custody Tuesday night for her suspected role in at least five of the robberies, Jackson said. Detectives are investigating the possibility that a third suspect was involved in the robberies.

Police arrested Clark after he pulled up to a drive-through window and at gunpoint demanded money from a cashier at an Arby’s restaurant in the 11000 block of Sepulveda Boulevard on Tuesday night, Detective Wayne Newton said. The cashier moved away from the window and alerted two uniformed police officers dining in the restaurant, Newton said.

The officers attempted to arrest Clark, who had stepped out of his car and turned toward the officers with a gun in his hand, Newton said. Each officer fired a shot at Clark, one of which struck him in the abdomen, Newton said.

The officers have been identified as Arthur Pelt, 46, a 22-year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department, and Manuel Chorens, 28, a two-year veteran, Detective Ron Ito said.

Clark was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and assault with a deadly weapon against a police officer, Newton said. He is in stable condition at Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills.