Police: Wallets were stolen at gunpoint in Newport Beach

In separate incidents, two men were approached by a man with a gun in Newport Beach who demanded their wallets, police said Monday.

The first incident occurred on the Balboa Peninsula near 9th Street and West Ocean Front about 12:30 a.m. Sunday when a man walking down the street was approached from behind by a man with a handgun.

The suspect fled on foot after stealing the man’s wallet. The suspect was described as a Latino in his 20s or 30s, 5 foot 7 inches and about 210 pounds.

The second incident happened about 12:45 a.m. Sunday when a man was walking on the sidewalk near Hoag Drive and Newport Boulevard and was approached by a man with a gun demanding his wallet. The man ran from the suspect and called 911.

The suspect in the attempted robbery was described as a 30-year-old Latino, between 5 foot 6 inches and 5 foot 8 inches tall, with a mustache and shaved head.

Both incidents are under investigation.

Police are unsure if the crimes are related, according to police spokeswoman Kathy Lowe.

The crimes come about a week after three people were robbed at gunpoint in the Newport-Mesa area July 10 and 11.

— Lauren Williams