Pair Arrested in Gas Station Robbery
VENTURA — Police chased and arrested two men Saturday night after the pair allegedly robbed a downtown Ventura gas station.
John Michael Lyles, 37, and Steven Warren Jones, 25, both of Ventura, were booked into the Ventura County Jail on robbery charges. Lyles also had outstanding arrest warrants from Modesto and Stanislaus for escape and narcotics violations, police said.
Lyles allegedly approached the clerk at the USA gas station at 2061 E. Thompson Blvd. and asked for cigarettes, then brandished a knife and demanded money. After receiving some bills from the cash register, Lyles got into a waiting pickup truck driven by Jones, police said.
As Officer Dave Matz responded to the reported robbery, he saw a truck matching the description of the getaway vehicle about a mile away, police said. Matz attempted to stop the truck, failed, and gave chase. The truck crashed into several parked cars on Pacific Street.
Lyles and Jones allegedly attempted to flee on foot, but were captured by police. Officers say they recovered what they believe to be the stolen money from Lyles.
Lyles’ bail is set at $125,000, Jones’ at $50,000. Both men are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Municipal Court.
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