Arrests made in attempted armed robberies outside Columbia mall

Columbia police arrested two people in connection with two attempted armed robberies at the mall and a robbery at Texas Roadhouse.

Officers arrested 19-year-old Sarena Rothenberger and 25-year-old Lance Rothenberger Wednesday.

Police say officers were called to an armed robbery at 8:21 p.m. Tuesday night outside of Target on Bernadette Drive. The victim told police she was waiting for a ride when a woman pulled out a knife and yelled give me your purse. The suspect then fled the scene in a dark colored car.

Police were also called to Texas Roadhouse on Worley Street 20 minutes later. The victim there told police she was walking to her car when a woman with a knife yelled for the victim to give her her purse. The suspect then got into a green car driven by a man.

Police responded to Campusview Drive after 3 a.m. after someone called about a man rummaging through a vehicle. When confronted the male suspect took off with a woman in a green Honda. The officer arrived on scene and saw a car matching the description of the suspect vehicle on the other side of the apartment complex.

Officers then arrested Lance Rothenberger and Sarena Rothenberger at their apartment on Campusview Drive.