From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 12-11-2012, approximately 4:30 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of an armed robbery which just occurred at 1985 Central Avenue, McKinleyville ( US Cellular Store). When deputies arrived on scene they met with the store manager and a sales representative.

The sales representative told the deputies she was working the front when the suspect entered the store and pointed a silver colored handgun at her and demanded money. During the robbery the suspect heard a noise in the back room. The suspect made the sales representative move to the back room at gun point where the noise came from and he discovered the store manager on the telephone. The store manager was unaware of the robbery in progress and had his wallet in his hand while placing a phone order.

Seeing the suspect with the gun, the store manager immediately dropped his wallet and put his hands in the air. The suspect stole his wallet and then demanded money from the cash register. After stealing the money and wallet the suspect ordered both victims at gunpoint into the rear store bathroom and attempted to lock them inside it. The suspect then fled the store. The victims waited a short time and exited the restroom and called 911 to report the crime. No one was injured during the robbery. 

The suspect is described as: male, approximately 5’6” tall, wearing sunglasses, light gray or white hooded sweatshirt which he used to cover most of his face, stocky build and dark skin, possibly Hispanic or Native American, approximately 190 lbs, armed with a silver colored handgun.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.