Police: Man eats then tries to rob Del Taco

A Santa Ana man was arrested after trying to rob the manager of a Del Taco, Costa Mesa police said Friday.

Jose F. Rocha, 26, visited the eatery at 1720 Superior Ave. with two other men with shaved heads, ordered food and ate about 4:45 p.m. April 14, police said.

After the three finished their meals, two of the men left but Rocha stayed and confronted the manager, reaching beneath his sweatshirt, motioning like he had a gun and demanding money, police said.

The manager called police, and officers arrived while Rocha was still on scene. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and taken to Orange County Jail. No gun was found.

The case was being reviewed by the department’s gang detail.

“Costa Mesa police maintain a hard-line approach toward acts that resemble extortion or hold the potential for violence,” the department said in a news release.

Police ask that anyone with information call CMPD gang investigator Luke Luczkiewicz at (714) 754-5056.

— Lauren Williams

Twitter: @lawilliams30