CHULA VISTA (AP) -- Police in Chula Vista say they arrested a robbery suspect when he showed up to take a test to become a police officer.

Forty-year-old Romeo Montillano was arrested on Wednesday and booked into San Diego County jail.

A police spokesman says Montillano was sought in connection with a December robbery at a Chula Vista Kmart where a man took a TV and other items, then beat up store employees who confronted him.

A short time later, investigators learned Montillano had signed up to take the February police officer's examination. Police managed to call Montillano, who was in Las Vegas but promised to show for the test. He missed an orientation for applicants but did show up test day and signed in. Montillano was arrested for investigation of robbery and other crimes.

Police say as Montillano was being arrested, he asked whether he could still take the police exam or reapply at some later date. He was told 'no.'