Gang member arrested after yogurt shop robbery

Police arrested a 39-year-old Costa Mesa resident late Friday night following an armed robbery that occurred at a frozen yogurt shop near the end of the 55 Freeway.

Russell D. Bowley, whom officers called a parolee and known gang member, was arrested about 11 p.m. Friday after police received a call about a robbery at Swirls at 1799 Newport Blvd.

A lone male gunman entered the store with a bandanna over his face and a replica handgun and made off with about $600 in cash from the register, according to Sgt. Greg Scott.

Soon after, police arrested Bowley in the 1700 block of Kenwood Place near the site of the robbery. Scott said officers recovered the cash and replica handgun, although he could not say whether they had been found on Bowley’s person.

Bowley was booked at Orange County Jail and charged with robbery, parole violation, commercial burglary, gang enhancement and an outstanding warrant. His bail was posted at $5,500.

— Michael Miller