2 arrested in Atwater robbery

Two people were arrested early Monday after allegedly knocking a woman to the ground and stealing her purse, the Atwater Police Department reported.

Francisco Javier Mercado, 29, and Nephtali Montano-Rosas, 39, were arrested on suspicion of strong-arm robbery and conspiracy in connection with the incident, Lt. Samuel Joseph said.

The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was forced to the ground around 11 p.m. Sunday at a grocery store in the 1700 block of Bellevue Road in Atwater. The suspects took her bag, which contained her purse and other items. She was not injured, police said.

The suspects left the scene in a black Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck pulling a trailer. Officers spotted the vehicle a short time later in the area of Santa Fe Avenue and Shaffer Road. Both men were taken into custody without incident, police said, and the victim’s property was recovered.

“These officers were quick, alert and aggressive in taking these suspects into custody,” Joseph said.

Both men were still in custody Monday afternoon. Montano-Rosas’ bail was set at more than $55,000 at the John Latorraca Correctional Facility. Mercado’s bail was listed at $110,000 at the Merced County jail, according to booking records at the Merced County Sheriff’s Department.

This story was originally published December 22, 2014 at 3:03 PM with the headline "2 arrested in Atwater robbery."