Lompoc police arrest robbery suspects

Lompoc police arrested two suspects believed to be connected to a robbery that occurred in Lompoc Thursday afternoon.

At around 3:15 p.m., Lompoc Police Department responded to a report of a robbery near the 500 block of South P Street.

The 22-year-old male victim said he was followed and assaulted by two males and had his backpack and other belongings forcibly taken from him.

The investigation led police to a residence at 405 South O Place. It was determined that the two suspects began following the victim as he passed this residence.

Police determined that two young male adults lived at the home and were on Santa Barbara County Probation with full search terms.

Police surrounded the residence and attempted to conduct a probation search but occupants refused to come to the door.

While outside the home, officers began to smell something burning — which they believed was most likely the victims personal belongings.

Police forced their way into the residence and detained multiple people.

The burning smell was found to be coming from the back porch and officers discovered the victims belongings burning. Those items were partially recovered. Other items that belonged to the victim were located hidden in the home.

Police arrested a 17-year-old male juvenile and Joseph Willis, 18. Both were booked on a complaint of robbery and destruction of evidence.

Willis was also found to have a no-bail warrant for his arrest.

Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact the Lompoc Police Department at (805) 736-2341.