MORAGA — Two Antioch men were in county jail after their arrests in connection with a laptop theft at an East Bay college campus, authorities said Wednesday.

At 10:45 a.m., Moraga police responded to reports of two suspects stealing a laptop from St. Mary’s College, 1928 St Marys Rd., and driving off in a black Jeep.

Officers were told that the two walked onto campus and into a classroom with one person inside. While one suspect held the door open, the other suspect walked up to a priest, distracted him and stole the laptop before running away. The two then ran out to the waiting Jeep driven by a third suspect.

After Lafayette and Orinda police joined Moraga officers in a search, an Orinda officer saw the Jeep driving toward Highway 24 and stopped it near Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way.

Two people inside the Jeep jumped out and fled on foot into the neighborhood above the church. A California Highway Patrol helicopter, Lafayette police drone and Concord police K-9 officer joined officers from Lamorinda in combing the neighborhood.

Officers found one of the two hiding behind the church, while the other was not found. Officers took the third person inside the Jeep into custody.

The laptop was found and returned to its owner, police said.

Two men, Deonta Lee, 25, and Javaries Johnson, 22, both of Antioch, were booked into Martinez county jail on several suspicion charges, including grand theft, probation violation and possession of stolen property.

Johnson was also booked on suspicion of resisting a police officer and probation violation. Both were held Wednesday night on $60,000 bail, according to county records.

Moraga police offered their appreciation to witnesses who provided key information. Anyone with information should call Moraga police Det. Kevin Mooney at 925-888-7056

Contact George Kelly at 408-859-5180.