VENTURA : 2 Men Are Sought in Daytime Robberies

Ventura police are seeking two men suspected of robbing an Idaho couple and a bicyclist at busy intersections in the middle of the day.

Detective Kevin Williams said police believe the same two men are responsible for both robberies, based on descriptions given by the victims. Williams also believes the two men are likely to strike again and probably live in the Ventura area.

In the first incident, Ben Rolphe, 60, and Nancy Evans, 45, were robbed at knifepoint at the intersection of Main Street and North Ventura Avenue.

The couple, who run a publishing company in Idaho, were on their way to Orange County when they became lost and stopped to use a pay phone in Ventura.

While they were on the phone, two men walked up, threatened them with a knife and demanded money. They took $500 cash, jewelry, Evans’ purse and a briefcase.

The robbers then threatened to stab the couple if they did not leave the area quietly, Williams said.

The second robbery occurred at noon Wednesday near the intersection of Dean Drive and South Mills Road. Edward Jarvis, 32, was riding his bike when two men pulled alongside him.

The driver then pointed a gun at Jarvis while the passenger demanded money. Jarvis told police he gave them $110 he had planned to use to enroll in classes at Ventura College.

Based on Jarvis’ account, police have come up with a composite drawing of the passenger and a physical description.

The robber is believed to be in his mid-20s, 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with black wavy hair and a mustache. His face is marked by a vertical scar.

Anyone with information about the pair should call Williams at 339-4463.