From the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On 11-13-2013, at approximately 10:05 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a robbery that just occurred at Ray’s Food Place, Willow Creek. The suspect was reported to be armed with a semi-automatic handgun and was last seen running behind the store.

The investigating deputy met with a store clerk who told the deputy the robbery occurred shortly after the store closed at 10:00 p.m. The store clerk was in an office service area of the store when the suspect appeared. The suspect pointed a black semi-automatic handgun at the clerk and told the clerk be quiet as the suspect tossed an empty black colored backpack at the victim. The suspect then directed the clerk to put the contents of the safe and tills in the backpack. Another clerk in the store heard a noise coming from the office area and went to investigate. When the second clerk was discovered by the suspect, the suspect pointed the handgun at the second clerk and ordered the second clerk to lie down on the ground. The second clerk complied with the gunman’s demand. After obtaining money the suspect fled the store.

Both clerks told the investigating deputy they believe the suspect entered through an unlocked rear door which the store routinely leaves closed but unlocked during the nightly cleaning process. There were no signs of forced entry into the store and all other doors were locked.

The suspect is described as follows: Possibly a white male, approximately 6’ tall, medium build, approximately 20 years old, last seen wearing a black mask, black denim jacket or similar material with a light colored liner, a black mask, black pants, black sneakers and black gloves with the finger tips cut off. He was in possession of a black semi-automatic handgun, possibly a Glock.

No one was injured during the robbery. Deputies checked the area for the suspect but were unable to locate him.

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.