BOLO: Morning Armed Robberies in Eureka, Fortuna, McKinleyville and Arcata May Be Linked (PHOTOS)

Eureka Police Department press release:

From January 28 – March 20, 2016, Humboldt County has experienced a rash of armed robberies primarily in Fortuna, Eureka, Arcata, and McKinleyville. Surrounding agencies are working together to compare notes and find similarities between the cases (various security images at the bottom of this post). What we know:

Typically two male suspects

Silver handgun brandished

Wearing masks and/or hoodies

Targeting gas stations and mini marts near major highways

Vehicles involved parked out of sight (green Honda Civic or gray Chevrolet SUV described in at least two of the cases)

Most incidents occurred between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Recent cases:

01/28/16 at 5:36 a.m., gas station, 3505 Broadway, Eureka

01/28/16 at 6:50 a.m., gas station on Central Ave, McKinleyville

03/18/16 at 4:57 a.m., gas station on Murray Rd, McKinleyville

03/18/16 at 5:45 a.m., gas station on Alliance, Arcata

03/18/16 at 6:31 a.m., gas station on Fairway Drive, Eureka

03/19/16 at 10:50 p.m., market on School St., Fortuna

03/20/16 at 6:47 a.m., drive through fast food, Eureka

It is important for businesses to be aware of these trends so that they can take steps to better protect their employees and customers. Be alert, be visible, and have clear policies for employees. Check out the Portland Police Bureau’s Guide to Robbery Prevention for many good tips to consider.

Anyone with information regarding these cases is asked to call the related jurisdiction:

Eureka Police Department, (707) 441-4060

Fortuna Police Department, (707) 725-7550 or the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME

Arcata Police Department, (707) 822-2424 or the Crime Tip Line at (707) 825-2588

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, (707) 445-7251