security guard

Man Wanted for Robbing Food 4 Less Was Found Already in Police Custody

Police believe the man was armed with a knife or gun when he stole the manager's car from the store parking lot.

A man suspected of walking into an Orange County Food 4 Less and feigning being disabled as a ruse to plan his escape route before robbing the store and stealing the manager's Toyota was located in police custody Thursday.

Police said after the story and surveillance video appeared in multiple news outlets Thursday, a community member called police and said the suspect was likely Antonio Delgado Juarez, 35, of Santa Ana.

He was located in police custody, arrested Sept. 22 for burglary, battery and possession of burglary tools in a separate incident.

Santa Ana police said it's clear the man who robbed the Food 4 Less could walk, as surveillance video proved. But soon after entering the supermarket on S. Bristol Street Sept. 18, he immediately sat down in a handicapped scooter and began wheeling around.

“He was in the store looking around for about 15 to 20 minutes,” said Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

Investigators believe the suspect was looking for an escape route, or perhaps a security guard.

On the store surveillance video, he can be seen maneuvering the scooter once by the store manager before returning, standing up, and adjusting his backpack.

Moments later, he put the manager in a headlock, and steered him right by a female customer and into the back office, demanding money. Police believe the man was armed.

The suspect then forced the manager outside, took his keys and stole his car. It is unclear if how much money was stolen.

Police said all of this happened while customers continued their shopping, oblivious to the demands being made for money only a few steps away.

“He did the right things,” Bertagna said. “He didn't draw attention or cause a shootout and he's been a good witness.”

The missing car is a 2001 silver two-door hatchback Toyota Echo with license plate number 4NFE493. It remained missing even after Juarez was arrested.

The manager was unharmed, and in hindsight police said it’s likely because he didn't panic.

“We believe he had a gun or a knife and was holding it at his neck,” Bertagna said. “Do what you're told. It's not worth dying over.”

Police said multiple witnesses identified Juarez as the man they saw in the store, and the case will be submitted ot the Orange County District Attorney for prosecution.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 714-245-8422.

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