2 busted in rash of toll-plaza robberies at Bay Area bridges

The California Highway Patrol, in collaboration with Vallejo police, arrested two suspects in a series of armed robberies, including one at the Bay Bridge toll plaza (pictured) and others at the Benicia Bridge and Carquinez Bridge toll booths. less The California Highway Patrol, in collaboration with Vallejo police, arrested two suspects in a series of armed robberies, including one at the Bay Bridge toll plaza (pictured) and others at the Benicia Bridge ... more Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle Photo: Michael Macor, San Francisco Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close 2 busted in rash of toll-plaza robberies at Bay Area bridges 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Two suspects, one a teenager, were arrested in Vallejo earlier this week on suspicion of pulling a series of armed robberies, including several at toll booths at Bay Area bridges, authorities said Thursday.

On Monday, the California Highway Patrol, working with Vallejo police, served arrest warrants at multiple locations in the city after a months-long investigation into the robberies, said Officer Daniel Hill, a CHP spokesman.

Marco Villagomez, 21, of Vallejo, was taken into custody as well as a 17-year-old juvenile whose identity was withheld because of his age, Hill said. Also recovered were two assault rifles, three handguns and several replica firearms.

Hill said the pair are suspected of committing at least four toll plaza robberies around the Bay Area in November and December at the Benicia Bridge, Carquinez Bridge and Bay Bridge, Hill said.

“The good thing for us is that toll plazas have lots of witnesses and lots of cameras,” Hill said. “It certainly made our job easier.”

Villagomez and the teenager also stand accused of other non-highway robberies, at least one of which took place in Daly City, Hill said.

Both were arrested on suspicion of armed robbery and other lesser crimes.

Kale Williams is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: kwilliams@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfkale