Pair allegedly rob, beat Lake Elsinore homeowner, attempt to flee cops

Two men suspected of forcing their way onto a Lake Elsinore property and assaulting the owner before he called for help — culminating in a car and foot chase — were behind bars today.

Justin Val Miller

Nikolas Daniel McNally

Nikolas Daniel McNally, 24, of Lake Elsinore, and Justin Val Miller, 22, of Ladera Ranch, were arrested after allegedly committing a home invasion robbery in the 500 block of Lake Street, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

A resident, not identified, told deputies that he was in his backyard around 12:30 p.m. Thursday when the suspects allegedly barged through a side gate, brandished a handgun and demanded money.

“The suspects then assaulted the victim several times, but the victim was able to dial 911 on his cell phone, and the two suspects fled the scene in a white Kia with paper plates,” said sheriff’s Sgt. David Cardoza.

A short time later, a patrol unit spotted the vehicle in front of an apartment complex in the 2000 block of East Lakeshore Drive, he said.

Deputies approached the Kia on foot, at which point the passenger — later identified as Miller — bailed out, prompting the deputies to give chase, according to Cardoza.

The fleeing suspect attempted to hide out in a restaurant in the 31000 block of Mission Trail, where he was found and arrested at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, sheriff’s officials said.

McNally was spotted nearby, at the wheel of the Kia, and allegedly fled when deputies attempted to stop him.

“The suspect vehicle drove erratically while attempting to avoid capture,” Cardoza said. “The Riverside County sheriff’s air unit also responded to assist. The suspect then drove to a mobile home park in the 300 block of E. Ellis Street, abandoned the white Kia, and fled on foot.”

McNally ran into a field, where he was apprehended.

Cardoza said the Kia was reported stolen out of Westminster. A check of McNally’s residence in the 17000 block of Grand Avenue led to the recovery of the alleged weapon used during the robbery and other incriminating evidence, according to the sergeant.

McNally was booked on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property and robbery. Miller was booked on suspicion of robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, felony evading and receiving stolen property.

Both men are being held at the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta — McNally in lieu of $30,000, Miller without bail.