Two Azusa men accused of trying to rob college students at knifepoint

AZUSA — Police jailed two Azusa men and sought a woman who tried unsuccessfully to rob a group of college students at knifepoint early Sunday, authorities said.
Jimmy Melgoza and Esteban Lopez, both 21, were booked on suspicion of attempted robbery following the crime, which took place just after midnight in the 700 block of East Alosta Avenue, according to Azusa police Sgt. Randy Schmidt.
Six college students left an all-night restaurant when they were approached by Melgoza, Lopez and an unidentified woman who began walking among the group of students.
“The two male subjects initially attempted to sell the students drugs before asking for money,” Schmidt said in a written statement.
When the students refused both, one of the men walked to the front of the group while the other dropped to the rear and pulled a knife and demanded money from the students, police said.
All six students ran, Schmidt said. The male would-be robbers chased after one of them, but all escaped safely.
One of the victims called 9-1-1 from a cell phone, and police found and arrested Melgoza and Lopez in the area, the sergeant said.
The woman who was with them was not found.
“Although the female was with both suspects, her involvement in the attempted robbery is not clear and she was able to leave the area prior to the arrival of police,” Schmidt said.
According to Los Angeles County booking records, Melgoza was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail at the Azusa Police Department jail, while Lopez was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail. Both were scheduled for arraignment Tuesday in West Covina Superior Court.
Anyone with information was asked to contact Azusa police at 626-812-3200.

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