3 arrested in Fresno online dating ambush, robbery

Three people are in custody after an online dating connection was used to rob a Clovis man, Fresno police say.

Police Sgt. David Ramsey said the 49-year-old victim told officers on Jan. 31 that he made contact with a woman on a dating site. He went to a residence on the 100 block of West Barstow Avenue to meet her.

That’s when another woman and a gun-toting man showed up. The three took his wallet and demanded his ATM banking number, Ramsey said.

The victim was held at gunpoint while the two women drove to three banks and withdrew money from his account. After returning and stealing other items from the man’s car, the three released him, Ramsey said. The man then called police.

A detective identified the man’s date as 22-year-old Brittnie Saunier; she was arrested the next day.

The others were identified as George Flores, 29, a Bulldog gang member, and 28-year-old Amanda Battazi. They were arrested this week at an apartment on the 5200 block of North Fresno Street.

On Monday, the three were charged with robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and conspiracy.

By Jim Guy