1 suspect in Santa Ana robbery captured, other still at large

Tips from the public helped detectives identify one of two men suspected in two armed robberies that were captured by surveillance cameras in Santa Ana earlier this month, police said Tuesday, July 16.

Authorities named Brian Ho, 28, of Garden Grove as the mustache-wearing robber seen in footage of a heist that took place at about 7:09 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, at M & Toi Cafe, 4702 W. 1st St., Santa Ana Police Department officials said Wednesday in a statement.

It was the first of two robberies alleged to involve Ho and at least one other armed suspect that morning. The second happened about ten minutes later at Dey’s Doughnuts, 630 S. Euclid St.

Detectives learned Ho had been arrested in Huntington Beach on Tuesday, July 10, regarding an unrelated offense, police said. A gun similar to the one used during the thefts had been found in his possession, they said.

Santa Ana police believe Ho may have been involved in other robberies. They were working with detectives from the Westminster and Garden Grove Police Departments on several cases that were possibly related, department officials said in their statement.

The second suspect who was seen in surveillance video of the robberies remained unidentified and at large as of Tuesday afternoon, police said. He was described by authorities as an either Latino or Asian man between the ages of 20 and 30, standing between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 10 inches tall.

Officials asked anyone with information to contact Santa Ana Police Robbery Detective Duane Greaver by calling 714-245-8362, or sending an email to dgreaver@santa-ana.org. Tips can also be left anonymously with OC Crime Stoppers by dialing 1-855-TIP-OCCS.