Two Held in Irvine Spectrum Muggings

Two teenagers accused of staging a series of armed muggings in the parking lot of the Irvine Spectrum were arrested by undercover police officers, who allegedly caught them in the act.

Irvine police said Jonathon P. Tellez, 18, of Garden Grove and a 17-year-old boy committed as many as 14 muggings at the entertainment complex since June 22. The pair were arrested late Wednesday on suspicion of seven thefts, and officials said the investigation is continuing.

Lt. Sam Allevato said the robberies usually occurred in the late evening and targeted young adults. The robbers would demand money from their victims’ wallets, with one assailant lifting up his jacket to expose a handgun.

“In a couple of them, the victims were told, ‘Do not go to the police. We know your address and we will come after you,’ ” Allevato said. “A couple of [victims] delayed in coming to us because they were scared.”

After receiving several robbery reports, an undercover team was sent out to find the robbers, Allevato said.

As the officers drove around the parking lot, they confronted a group of four young men. They soon realized that two of them were in the act of robbing the other two.

“They are in custody, and they are not going to be let out,” Allevato said.

Tellez is being held at Orange County Jail and the boy is in Juvenile Hall. Police said the threats prevented others from coming forward, but they are asking the victims to make those reports now.

Police can be reached at (949) 724-7189 or (949) 724-7200.