The first robbery occurred around 1:30 p.m. Saturday within the 700 block of Old County Road in Belmont, Palo Alto police said in a news release. No weapons were used, however the victim – a girl in her 40s – suffered minor injuries.
The second robbery occurred 45 minutes later within the 800 block of Ilima Court in Palo Alto. This time, the robbers apparently pointed a gun on the victim – a person in his 60s – and grabbed his mail key, in line with police. He wasn't hurt.
Witnesses reported the second robbery to police. The robbers and their automotive — a black 2013 Infiniti G37 — matched Belmont police descriptions, police said.
Officers discovered the Infiniti was traveling north on El Camino Real from Matadero Avenue. According to police, the automotive sped away from them but crashed right into a tree within the 3100 block of Hansen Way.
The occupants fled the automotive, police said, adding that they were arrested nearby a short while later. Both were treated on the scene for minor injuries sustained within the collision.
According to police, officers searched the Infiniti, which had been reported stolen in Alameda on May 1, and located two sets of mail keys. Additionally, officers found a pair of realistic-looking replica handguns – one contained in the automotive and one on the bottom outside the automotive.
Police said the 19-year-old man was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on charges of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, committing a felony while on bail for multiple firearms-related violations and resisting arrest.
The 17-year-old was booked into the county juvenile prison on the identical charges in addition to vehicle theft and evading.
Investigators in Palo Alto are investigating whether the duo robbed one other mail carrier in December. This case stays unsolved.
Anyone with information concerning the case can contact police at 650-329-2413; Those wishing to stay anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.
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