Suspects Arrested in String of Holdups

Two men suspected of robbing about 15 businesses in the Sylmar area during the last week were arrested early Tuesday, Los Angeles police said.

Rodrigo Delacruz, 25, of Sylmar and James Jefferson, 34, of Palmdale were arrested about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after police spotted them driving on Osborne Street in Pacoima.

Delacruz was being held in lieu of $400,000 bail and Jefferson was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, police said.

Based on witness accounts, police said they believe the pair had robbed businesses, including a number of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations within a 15-mile radius, since Wednesday of last week.

Jefferson allegedly drove the car while Delacruz entered the stores wielding a small-caliber handgun and demanding money, according to police, adding that no one was hurt during the robberies.

Police declined to say how much money was stolen in the robberies.