Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

Sheriff Deputies arrested the suspect of a robbery in McKinleyville just minutes after it was reported.

John Schwartz | HCSO.

On Jan. 26, 2018 around 1:18 p.m. the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report from an employee at the Mill Creek Cinema in McKinleyville that a robbery had just occurred.

The employee told dispatchers that the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Andrew John Schwartz, had given the employee a note demanding money and indicating that he had a firearm. Schwartz fled eastbound on School Rd. with cash from the business and entered Ray’s Food Place.

Sheriff’s deputies were able to locate Schwartz as he exited Ray’s Food Place in possession of items from the store. When a deputy attempted to make contact with Schwartz, he fled on foot. Schwartz attempted to gain access inside a bystander’s van at a nearby gas station, and when unsuccessful, continued to flee. The California Highway Patrol responded to assist the deputy with the pursuit.
Schwartz was arrested shortly after and was not found to be in possession of a firearm. He was booked on charges of robbery, shoplifting, obstructing/resisting a peace officer and violation of probation.

In total, it took just 13 minutes from the report of the robbery to Schwartz’s arrest. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office commends the communications dispatcher, deputy and employee involved for their quick actions in reporting and apprehending the suspect.