(March 17, 2004) -- An alert East Division LBPD officer spotted two individuals matching descriptions of two suspects in a string of ELB robberies (previously reported by LBReport.com)...and took them into custody in the 7200 block of E. Carson St.

The arrests occurred at roughly 10 p.m. on March 10, although details are just now coming to light as LBPD says its investigation is continuing.

LBPD Public Information Officer Greg Schirmer told LBReport.com that an LBPD officer conducted a traffic stop on two individuals matching suspect and vehicle descriptions, implicated the suspects through his investigation and arrested both of them. Inside the vehicle, police say they found a replica firearm (a BB gun) described as looking very realistic as well as a dark colored hooded sweatshirt.

A 19 year old was arraigned on Monday on 17 counts of robbery; an 18 year old is in custody but not charged as we post.

LBPD had alerted ELB residents to be vigilant after victims were robbed, apparently at gunpoint, after driving their vehicles into a driveway or garage. A lone male suspect wearing a hooded sweatshirt allegedly approached, apparently armed with a handgun, demanded money or property such as a purse or wallet, then fled on foot to a nearby vehicle where a second suspect waited.

Further to follow as newsworthy.