By City News Service
WEST COVINA (CNS) - Two men and a woman were in custody today in connection with the armed robbery of West Covina City Councilman Andrew McIntyre, police said.
The crime occurred on Aug. 8 about 11:40 p.m. on Fircroft Street, said West Covina police Officer Rudy Lopez.
"It is believed that this case was a random act of robbery, and that Councilmember McIntyre was not targeted because of his position with the city,'' Lopez said.
Bail was set at $1 million for Jonathan Wattie, 32, of Whittier, Amanda Castro, 22, of Pomona, and Rodney Morris, 21, of South Los Angeles, the officer said. The three were booked on suspicion of robbery, receiving stolen property and conspiracy and were being held in the San Bernardino County Jail.
"The victim said he had just pulled up to his home and exited his vehicle when he was approached by a male suspect holding a handgun,'' Lopez said. "The victim said he handed over his wallet, which contained his city councilmember badge. The suspect then ran across the street to a waiting vehicle described as a white Acura Integra occupied by a second male. The vehicle sped away.''
On Aug. 9, San Bernardino County sheriff's detectives investigating two similar robberies in Upland and Rancho Cucamonga stopped a vehicle in Rowland Heights that was connected with their case, Lopez said.
"During this investigation, property taken in the robbery involving the West Covina victim was found in the occupant's possession,'' Lopez said. "A handgun was also recovered in the vehicle.''
Wattie and Castro were arrested at that time, and Morris was taken into custody on Monday.
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