SAN DIEGO -- Three people linked to an armed robbery at a Chula Vista shopping mall Thursday night are now in custody, police said.

The robbery took place about 5 p.m. Thursday at the Footaction USA store in the Chula Vista Mall on Broadway and H Street, Chula Vista Police Lt. Daniel Hardman said.

Two males entered the store, one with a handgun, and forced employees to the back, where they demanded cash and shoes, Hardman said. Witnesses described the men as agitated, causing employees to be frightened, he said.

The robbers, identified as 23-year-old Anthony Bolden and 24-year-old Lukmond Muhammad, then tried to slip out the back door but could not immediately get out, according to Hardman. In the confusion, one employee ran out unseen and contacted mall security officers, who called 911, he said.

Arriving officers saw the two men running from the south parking lot onto Fifth Avenue, then splitting off as they entered a residential area, Hardman said.

Muhammad was tracked down to the roof of a nearby house and arrested, Hardman said. Police used canine units and a helicopter to search for Bolden but were unable to locate him.

However, the getaway driver, identified as Muhammad's 21-year-old wife Patria, was arrested and all the stolen property was recovered, police said.

"Based on information, evidence we have we believe she was well aware of what was going on," said Chula Vista police Capt. Gary Wedge.

Patria Muhammad's mother told 10News she was shocked by her daughter's arrest. She said her daughter is pregnant and has two toddlers. Patria Muhammad apparently told her mother that she did not know what her husband was doing at the mall.

On Friday afternoon, Bolden was taken into custody at a San Diego home. 10News learned he was bitten by a police dog when he tried to run away.

Investigators also searched the Muhammads' Spring Valley home and emerged with a large box of evidence.

"Some of the items were items of clothing that may be involved in helping us identify other potential robberies," said Chula Vista police Lt. Lon Turner.

Chula Vista police said Muhammad may be connected to at least 10 armed robberies throughout San Diego County.

Police credited the public for helping them apprehend the suspected mall store robbers.

"You look at what happened last night you look at the involvement of the community, we can't do what we do without their help," said Wedge.