Police seek 3 men who robbed victim behind Newport Boulevard bars

Costa Mesa police are looking for three men in their 20s who are believed to have been involved in a robbery in an alley outside two Newport Boulevard bars Friday night.

After a night of drinking in the 1800 block of Newport Boulevard, a Long Beach man in his early 20s stepped into an alley between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m. to smoke marijuana, authorities said.

While in the alley near Goat Hill Tavern and The Boulevard, he said he was approached by three men who asked if he had any valuables.

The Long Beach man said the group began to touch the front pockets of his pants. Believing the men were trying to rob him, the victim told police he began to fight the men.

During the brawl, one of the three men ran away to grab what the victim suspected would be a weapon, he told police.

The victim was able to escape from the remaining two men. While running east, he told police he heard a gunshot.

Officers have not found any evidence of gunshots and did not receive any reports of gunshots in the area at the time of the alleged attack.

When the Long Beach man stopped running, he realized that his cell phone and wallet had been stolen.

The Long Beach man described his alleged attackers as “gang members” but police have not yet determined whether the men are part of a street gang.

He was treated at Mission Hospital for minor injuries, including bruising and swelling to his hand.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Costa Mesa Investigations Bureau at (714) 754-5205.