Police looking for machete-wielding robbery suspect [Corrected]

A machete-wielding man could be responsible for two robberies in Costa Mesa, according to police.

In the first instance, the suspect approached two men in their 20s, who were leaving their apartment and heading toward their car about 12:05 a.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Avocado Street, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

After a brief conversation, the suspect pulled a machete from beneath his jacket and held it in a threatening manner, demanding money from the men, police said.

FOR THE RECORD:
An earlier version incorrectly said the first robbery took place Monday. It took place shortly after midnight Tuesday.

The suspect then made off with about $20 from the two men.

About 2:10 a.m. Tuesday, an 18-year-old man was riding his skateboard near Adams Avenue and Albatross Drive when a man came up behind him on a bicycle and pulled what looked like a machete from his jacket, according to police.

The suspect held the machete in a threatening way, and demanded cash, according to police.

He made off with what little the man had, concealing the machete in his pants.

Police said they are unsure whether the same suspect was involved in both cases.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30