Middle-Aged Robbery Suspect Nabbed

A swarm of sheriff's deputies, accompanied by air support and police dogs, descended on San Juan Capistrano early Saturday after reports of a robbery at the Toyota dealership at 33395 Camino Capistrano.

The incident began just before 8 a.m., when a man holding an object under his clothing allegedly walked up to a cashier and demanded money, according to Orange County Sheriff's Department Lt. John F. Meyer. The frightened employee handed over $279 from the cash register and the man ran out the door as another employee gave chase, Meyer said.

When the suspect turned toward his pursuer and reached for his waistband, the second employee stopped, fearing the suspect had a gun, and phoned authorities with a description of the alleged robber, Meyer said.

Deputies from San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente responded within minutes. After a second report described a man running down an embankment near the railroad tracks behind the dealership, deputies established a perimeter and began tightening the noose, assisted by a K-9 unit and air support, according to authorities. 

During the search, a sergeant came upon Thomas Anthony Zullo, who will celebrate his 50th birthday next week, hiding beneath the Stonehill bridge where it crosses the train tracks, Meyer said. Zullo was detained, identified as the suspect and taken to jail, Meyer said.

The area was searched, but no cash from the alleged robbery was found, he said.