From the Eureka Police Department:

On October 26, 2014, at approximately 6:14 a.m., Eureka Police Department officers were dispatched to the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred at a gas station on the 1000 block of Broadway, Eureka.

An employee reported a male suspect had entered the business, brandished a black semi-automatic handgun at the clerk, and demanded money. After being given a small, undisclosed amount of cash, the suspect fled the scene with the money and two bottles of beer.

The first officer arrived on scene in less than a minute from the time of call. However, officers were unable to locate the suspect, who had already fled the vicinity. The suspect was described as being a darker complexioned male in his 20s, approximately 6’ tall with short, dark hair. He was wearing a camouflage hooded jacket and tan Carhartt-style pants.

At approximately 9:06 a.m., the gas station’s assistant manager phoned EPD dispatch to report the robbery suspect was now back on scene trying to return the money he stole. Officers arrived quickly and took the suspect, Cyle Warren Abbott Jr. (age 23 of Eureka), into custody without incident. Abbott was waiting in the bathroom for officers to arrive so he could surrender himself. He had already returned most of the stolen cash to an employee.

Abbott apologized to employees and officers for his actions. He explained he was trying to turn his life around and do the right thing. He claimed he stole the money planning to use it to leave town and get a fresh start.

Abbott told officers the firearm he’d used to rob the gas station was a loaded BB pistol. He claimed he’d discarded the pistol along the street after fleeing. Abbott offered to show officers where he’d disposed of it. He directed the arresting officer to a grassy area on the west side of California Street near West Clark Street. However, the officer was unable to locate the pistol there.

Abbott was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked and lodged for 211 PC-Robbery and probation violation. His bail was set at $50,000.00.

Anyone who has information concerning this incident, including the whereabouts of the pistol, is asked to call the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4060 (during normal business hours) or (707) 441-4044 (after hours).