Los Angeles: On March 16, 2004, at 11:30 a.m., two suspects armed with handguns entered a jewelry store located in the 2500 block of Cesar Chavez Avenue. The suspects ordered the owner and a witness to lay on the ground and tied them up. The suspects took jewelry and a semi-automatic handgun.

Shortly after the robbery, Officers Reza and Moreno responded to interview the victims. One suspect was described as having a "LA" tattoo on his left arm and drove a red vehicle. The officers contacted Hollenbeck Area Robbery Detectives and related the suspect’s information. A computer run resulted in identifying the suspect as 18 year-old Federico Amezquita.

A photograph of Amezquita was shown to the victims and he was positively identified.

On the same day, at 4:30 p.m., a surveillance of Amezquita’s residence was conducted when the officers saw him standing in front of a residence in the 400 block of Mott Avenue. The officers immediately arrested Amezquita and recovered a loaded 9MM handgun as well as some jewelry. A follow-up to his residence resulted in the recovery of additional jewelry.

From the information given by Amezquita, the officers were able to capture the second suspect, a 17 year-old juvenile, at his home along with two additional handguns. Both suspects are documented Boyle Heights area street gang members. Amezquita’s bail is set at $1,000,000. The juvenile suspect is being detained at Eastlake Juvenile Hall without bail.

The total value of the jewelry recovered was $23, 220.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact Hollenbeck Area Robbery Detectives, at 323-526-3000. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.