LIVINGSTON — LIVINGSTON -- Two men were arrested Monday on suspicion of conspiracy and armed robbery.

According to a news release from the Livingston Police Department, Rudy Gamboa, 22, and Christian Manchacha, 18, were joined by three other men as they robbed a man at gunpoint, taking his wallet and some marijuana before fleeing the scene.

Gamboa and Manchacha, whom police say are criminal street gang members, were identified by the victim, who claimed he knew them, police said. Detectives obtained warrants for the suspects and they were arrested with help of the Atwater Police Department and the Merced County Sheriff's SWAT team.

Both suspects were booked at the Merced County Jail on the warrants, police said.

The arrests are part of an overall effort to reduce and eliminate criminal street gangs, according to the Livingston Police Department.

-- Sun-Star staff