Police Arrest Man, Teen in San Fernando Home Robbery

A man and a teenage boy have been arrested in connection with a San Fernando home-invasion robbery in which two brothers overpowered and beat a pair of robbers, police said Wednesday.

San Fernando Police Lt. Bob Ordelheide said Ronald Gasca, 28, of Palmdale and a 17-year-old Pacoima youth were arrested Tuesday and booked on suspicion of kidnapping and robbery.

Both could face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of all charges, Ordelheide said.

Gasca, who was arrested at his home, is being held at San Fernando Jail in lieu of $500,000 bail, police said. He is to be arraigned today in San Fernando Superior Court. The teenager was taken into custody at an area continuation high school and is being held at Sylmar Juvenile Hall. He was arraigned Wednesday in San Fernando Superior Court.

Due to the violent nature of the charges and the youth’s past record, the Los Angeles district attorney’s office recommended that he be tried as an adult.

Investigators do not know if the suspects, both of whom are believed to be members of a Pacoima gang, knew the family.

On Jan. 29, two masked intruders forced their way into the home of a San Fernando jewelry store owner. Family members said they believed the robbers thought money and gold could be found in the house.

According to police, when one robber lowered his assault rifle to grab jewelry and cash, the brothers fought back, punching and hitting the attackers with the butt of the rifle.

Four shots went off during the struggle, but no one was injured, police said.

The pair fled with about $800 in cash and a gold bracelet, property that police said has not been recovered.