Five arrested in Rodeo home invasion robbery

RODEO — Five people, including two kids, have been arrested in connection with an armed home invasion robbery that occurred here last month, court records show.

The robbery on the 200 block of Garretson Avenue was reported around 5 p.m. on May 27. Police say a 9-1-1 caller reported seeing several masked gunmen enter a home on that block after pulling up in a BMW.

A responding Contra Costa Sheriff’s deputy located the BMW at a liquor store on Parker Avenue after the robbery, but two passengers ran out when he attempted to pull it over, including one who dropped a revolver as he escaped. The deputy completed the traffic stop and arrested four people who remained in the BMW.

Police say they were able to identify one of the two people who ran from the car. Prosecutors filed burglary and robbery charges against the three adults. Charging information against the two teens who were arrested was not available, due to confidentiality laws in juvenile court.

One of the suspects has not been caught yet.

Items that had been stolen from the home were located in the BMW, but police are still trying to track down one key item — a stolen firearm, authorities say. Police also recovered multiple masks consistent with the robbers’ description, including a distinctive mask displaying shark teeth over the mouth.

Police haven’t said how much money or property was stolen from the home, but had the robbers escaped, they may have been in for a surprise. Inside the BMW, a deputy discovered a bag full of what appeared to be glittering gems, but it turned out to be costume jewelry for playing dress-up, authorities say.