University police arrested two men Wednesday on charges of stealing bicycles.
Around 4:30 p.m., police stopped Jose Rodriguez, 43, and Andrew Alvarado, 20, after they were seen riding a mountain bike and a road bike the wrong way down an alley near Gayley and Broxton avenues.
The arresting officer had seen the two men earlier without the bicycles, which arose suspicion, said UCPD detective Gene Gorostiza.
“(Rodriguez) dumped the bicycle and took off running. They actually caught him about a block and a half later,” Gorostiza said.
Alvarado, who was found with bolt cutters and marijuana, admitted to stealing the bikes.
Rodriguez was found in possession of methamphetamine. He also had two warrants for possession of methamphetamine and for stealing a car.
Rodriguez and Alvarado provided false names when they were arrested, but their fingerprints revealed their identities once they arrived at the police station.
The bicycles are currently booked at the UCPD station for safekeeping while police look for their owners.
Gorostiza said the bikes’ owners should file a report with police. If the description of the bike matches the police report, detectives will contact the victims to return the stolen property.