4 Arrested in Tustin Mugging

A Tustin woman flagged down a patrol car early Saturday to report that she had been knocked to the ground and robbed of her purse while walking home.

The alleged robber had just fled the scene near Yorba Street and Amaganset Way in a car carrying two other men and a young woman.

Police found the vehicle about a mile away in the middle of the street with the four doors open and the engine running.

Witnesses pointed out a young woman at a nearby shopping center, who was then taken into custody. Two of the male suspects were caught after they were seen running down 17th Street.

The remaining male suspect “jumped numerous walls, hid in the backyards of homes in the area and was initially able to avoid detection,” according to the police statement. He was later arrested at his home in Orange, after police learned his identity.

Police say the suspects are members of a street gang from Orange. The three males -- ages 20, 19 and a juvenile -- and the girl, who also is a juvenile, were arrested on suspicion of robbery.