Five people, including a minor, were arrested Wednesday after a special needs courtesy clerk was struck in the face during a strong-armed robbery at Vons last Friday.

Selena Montez, 20; Stevie Montez, 18; Candace Sykes, 19; Ryan Anderson, 18; and a 16-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of robbery, conspiracy, burglary, dependent adult abuse and a gang enhancement, according to a release from Lt. Eric Huizar of the Claremont Police Department. All suspects are residents of Victorville.

The incident occurred at 4:23 p.m. on June 23, when five people in a burgundy 2015 Dodge Caravan reportedly stole several crates of Fiji water, as well as two bottles of brandy, from an outside display in front of the supermarket on the 500 block of Base Line Road, according to Claremont Police Cpl. Sean Evans.

When the employee yelled at them to stop, the suspects allegedly got out of the van and one of them punched the employee in the mouth, Cpl. Evans said. The suspects then got back into the van and drove off. The total value of the stolen goods was around $150.

A license plate number was obtained at the scene. Claremont police detectives, with the help of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, tracked down the suspects in Victorville and made the arrests.

Ms. Montez, Mr. Montez, Ms. Sykes and Mr. Anderson are all being held in lieu of $50,000 bail, with an arraignment date set for Friday at Pomona Superior Court, Lt. Huizar said. The 16-year-old girl was released on a citation to an adult relative, pending a court date.

—Matthew Bramlett

news@claremont-courier.com