Two Arrests In Isla Vista Cell Phone Theft
A strong armed robbery and a dramatic foot pursuit in Isla Vista ended with the arrests of two Santa Barbara City College students.
It happened about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday night on the 6600 block of Abrego Road.
Witnesses called 9-1-1 after seeing two men attacking another man. Minutes later, the injured victim called 9-1-1 saying the attackers stole his new iPhone, but dropped one of their own phones during the melee.
Sheriff’s officials say the victim gave such good descriptions that deputies were able to track the first suspect down within ten minutes. 21-year-old Starrr Martin of Virginia was arrested near Camino Pescadero and Abrego Road.
A short time later, deputies nabbed 18-year-old Aaron Cuthbert of Palmdale on Picasso Road.
Sheriff’s officials say Cuthbert put up a fight and took off running. Deputies caught up with him about a half hour later on Camino Del Sur.
Kelly Hoover, Public Information Officer for the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, said the two suspects are roommates and acted together to assault the victim and steal his iPhone, which was discovered in their Isla Vista apartment.
Both men face several charges, including robbery and conspiracy. Bail is set at $100,000 apiece.
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