by Mick Rhodes | editor@claremont-courier.com

Two would-be robbers are in custody after Claremont Police Department officers responded to a 5:11 p.m. call on Friday from Super King Market, 436 Auto Center Dr., regarding a robbery and shooting during which three people had suffered gunshot wounds.

Arriving police and LA County Fire Department personnel rendered aid to the victims, who were transported to a local hospital in stable condition.

After viewing surveillance footage, taking statements from witnesses, and enlisting the help of a LA County Sheriff’s Department helicopter, the alleged shooter — 27-year-old Pomona resident Michael Abeyta — was arrested without incident. His alleged accomplice, Amanda Soto, 37, also from Pomona, was arrested shortly thereafter.

“CPD Officers and Detectives were able to obtain witness statements and video surveillance of the shooting, which identified the suspect,” read a CPD news release. “During the search for the suspect, officers located evidence, which included the suspect’s clothing and a handgun, which were believed to be used during the crime. These items had been hidden by the suspect under a vehicle at a nearby business.”

Abeyta was located walking in the 100 block of Meredith Street in Claremont.

“Witnesses positively identified the suspect in the shooting,” continued the CPD release. “The suspect was transported to the Claremont Police Department Jail, where he was booked and later transported to the Inmate Reception Center (IRC) in Los Angeles. He is being held for court in lieu of a $2,000,000 bail.”

Abeyta is charged with five felonies: attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, felon in possession of firearm, criminal threats, and robbery. Soto is charged with felony robbery, and on an outstanding warrant .

Soto remains in custody at the CPD jail, where she is being held for court in lieu of $125,000 bail. Police said the pair were the only two suspects in the robbery and shooting.