Tracking device helps authorities nab suspected bank robbers

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An investigation is underway into circumstances surrounding an armed robbery at a Moreno Valley bank that led to a massive freeway closure as authorities tracked the suspects to the Los Angeles area.

According to a statement released by the Moreno Valley Police Department, officers responded Friday to reports of the robbery at the Altura Credit Union at 12125 Day Street about 10 a.m.

Authorities said three masked gunmen entered the business and demanded money. The men were given a bag containing an undisclosed amount of cash and -- unknown to the bandits -- an electronic tracking device.

Multiple regional law enforcement agencies traced their getaway to Los Angeles, and then shut down the 110 freeway at 81st Street in South L.A. Officers began searching for the suspects car by car, opening trunks and patting down motorists. Three men who matched the description of the robbers were taken into custody after authorities found items linking them to the crime, authorities said.

Moreno Valley police said no further information would be released “at this time as this is an ongoing investigation.”

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--Ann M. Simmons