DANA POINT LAGUNA HILLS : Suspect Is Arrested in Assault, Robbery

Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of slapping and then robbing an acquaintance of her $500 rent money, authorities said.

Hector Mercado of Laguna Beach was pulled over by deputies on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point at 7 p.m. Wednesday, about 2 1/2 hours after he allegedly robbed the 23-year-old woman, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery and is being held on $77,500 bail, sheriff’s authorities said.

Sheriff’s Lt. Dick Olson said the suspect was visiting the woman and they started arguing. The suspect allegedly slapped her several times before fleeing with her rent money, Olson said.

The victim suffered minor injuries, Olson said.

Also, deputies were searching for a man who robbed Union Bank on Paseo de Valencia in Laguna Hills on Wednesday.

Authorities say the man walked into the bank at about 1:20 p.m. and handed a teller a note demanding money. He left on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. No weapon was seen, and there were no reports of injuries.