Above: Pinkard and Flippen

Eureka Police Department release:

On 8/05/2016 at about 11:58 PM, officers of the Eureka Police Department responded to the report of a robbery that had just occurred at a Gas Station at the 1700 block of Broadway in Eureka. Officers were advised that two subjects, one armed with a knife, had robbed the station and fled, taking an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. The subjects were described as both about 5-5” in height, wearing baseball caps, sweaters and masks.

While enroute to the call, officers observed two subjects entering the alley between California and Pine Street, from 15th Street. Officers ultimately were able to detain the two subjects at an apartment complex at the 1400 block of California Street.

One of the subjects was in possession of a large knife and items consistent with those stolen during the robbery. Both subjects were ultimately taken into custody.

Search warrants were served on two apartments at the complex where the subjects were taken into custody.

As a result of the search warrant services, more stolen items from the robbery were located, along with other items of evidence.

Joseph Duane Pinkard (41 years old of Eureka) was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony and probation violation. Pinkard is being held on a $100,000 bail.

David Benjamin Flippen (39 years old of Eureka) was booked into the Humboldt County Correctional Facility on charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit a felony. Flippen is also being held on a $100,000 bail.

Probable Cause was developed connecting several of the recent Gas Station robberies to Flippen and additional charges of robbery are anticipated.  

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to call Senior Detective John Gordon at (707) 441-4300.