Pomona police: Robbers disguised as cops targeted undocumented immigrants, threatened deportation

POMONA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man and a teenager were arrested for allegedly impersonating law enforcement to commit robberies targeting undocumented immigrants in the Pomona area.

Pomona police had been investigating a rash of robberies in the community involving police impersonators.

Authorities said the suspects followed their victims to different parts of the city and pulled them over using a personal sedan outfitted with red and blue lights.

The suspects wore police clothing and had police equipment visible on their belts during the robberies.

After the suspects pulled them over, they asked the victims about their immigration status, police said. The suspects demanded money from the victims and threatened to call ICE and get them deported if they didn't comply.

Investigators said each victim handed over cash, fearing they would be deported.

Upon investigation, police were able to identity the suspects as 20-year-old Andres Sanchez and a 17-year-old unnamed suspect.

Both suspects were located and arrested by Pomona police officers in the city of Fontana, where they had just committed a similar robbery, investigators said.

Pomona police are looking for additional victims and witnesses in this case. If you have any relevant information, you're urged to contact Detective Chris Blank at (909) 802-7462.