Subscribe | UPI Odd Newsletter Subscribe SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Police in California said two men recently released from jail returned to the facility after allegedly attempting to rob an off-duty police officer. Santa Ana police said Jose Manuel Ortiz, 35, and Ryan Irwin Tischer, 37, met while being released from the Orange County Jail around 7:20 p.m. Wednesday and they allegedly stole a 1994 Ford van a few hours later, the Orange County (Calif.) Register reported Friday. Advertisement Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said the men drove the stolen van to a parking garage between the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Santa Ana Police Department where they burglarized a police jailer's vehicle of items including a flashlight and a keychain. Bertagna said an off-duty officer came into the parking structure while having a conversation on his phone around 12:10 a.m. and Ortiz allegedly charged him and demanded he hand over the device. However, police said the officer overpowered Ortiz and took him into custody. The booking officer at the jail recognized his own property among the items taken from Ortiz. Tischer was found standing next to the stolen van a short time later and was taken into custody. Advertisement Both men were charged with grand theft auto, taking vehicle without owner's permission and possession of stolen property. Ortiz was also charged with attempted robbery and vehicle theft with a prior. Ortiz's bail was set at $50,000 and Tischer was held without bail on a parole hold. Read More Second grade teacher helped kids cheat on standardized test British zoo asks visitors not to wear animal prints Kitten rescued from ceiling of Arizona recreation center 95-year-old Swede renews driver's license Train repair worker finds wallet with $2 million check
