Five men were arrested for investigation into the armed robbery of a Twentynine Palms convenience store on Sunday (May 21).
At around 11:15 p.m., County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of an armed robbery at the ampm convenience store on Twentynine Palms Highway in Twentynine Palms. Deputies say that five male suspects rushed the store and confronted the clerk on duty at the time. The report says that while some of the suspects assaulted the clerk, others stole items throughout the store, at one point brandishing a firearm at the clerk. Deputies say that the suspects fled the scene before they arrived.
Deputies conducted an extensive search of the area, locating three people matching the description of the suspects, identifying the armed suspect as Michael Claus-Flores, 28 years , and two of his accomplices, Tabien Hunt, 22 years-old, and Donald Lawrence 24 years-old, all residents of Twentynine Palms.
As the Deputies continued their investigation, they identified a residence in the 7000 Block of Estrella Avenue as a location of interest. A search warrant was served at the Estrella residence and deputies located two additional suspects – Christopher Zummo. 27, and Johnny Nie, 30, both residents of Twentynine Palms as well.
Tabien Hunt, Michael Claus-Flores, Donald Lawrence, Christopher Zummo and Johnny Nie were arrested on suspicion of Armed Robbery and Conspiracy to Commit a Felony. All suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center.
