Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On July 15, 2019, at about 2:30 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence on the 2300 block of Grace Avenue in McKinleyville for the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred.

Upon making contact with the 39-year-old female victim, deputies learned that the victim had arranged a ride with two subjects, later identified as 36-year-old Travis Robert Mann and 34-year-old Sherry Jo Bennett, in order to complete errands in the Arcata area. According to the victim, as the group returned to McKinleyville, Mann reportedly stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Babbler Road and Grace Avenue. Mann then reportedly exited the vehicle, brandished a firearm at the victim and forcibly removed her from the vehicle. Mann then took the victim’s purse and fled the area in the vehicle with Bennett.

During the investigation, deputies learned that the vehicle associated with Mann and Bennett may be in the City of Arcata. Officers with the Arcata Police Department were requested to assist in locating the suspect vehicle. Arcata Police officers located the vehicle in the Windsong Village area and the vehicle was later determined to be reported stolen out of Washington. While out with the vehicle, an Arcata Police officer observed a female subject matching the description of Bennett enter a residence on the 2100 block of Tina Court. The residence was known to be the primary residence of a subject on felony formal probation with a search clause.

Deputies responded the residence on Tina Court and made contact with Mann and Bennett, who were located inside. During a search of the residence, deputies located the firearm believed to be associated with the robbery. The firearm was later determined to be stolen. During a search of a purse associated with Bennett, deputies located the victim’s stolen property. During a search of Mann, deputies located car keys associated with the stolen vehicle.

Mann was arrested and booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery, possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen property and false identification to a peace officer.

Bennett was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery and possession of stolen property.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Arcata Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

Anyone with information about this case or related criminal activity, should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Travis Robert Mann

 Sherry Jo Bennett