Robbery at gunpoint in Eureka

On August 30, 2011, at about 1:55 PM, Eureka Police Department (EPD) Officers were dispatched to the vicinity of Hodgson and ‘O’ Streets on the report of an armed robbery that had just occurred.  Upon officers’ arrival, the visibly shaken male victim recounted the following to them. The victim stated he was parked in his pick-up truck waiting for his wife approximately a block and a half from Sequoia Park when he was approached by the unknown male suspect.  The suspect asked for a ride.  He then produced a stainless steel handgun and took the victim’s wallet from him at gunpoint.  The suspect then fled on foot and the victim followed him.  The victim last saw the suspect entering Sequoia Park at the trailhead near Hodgson and ‘O’ Streets.

 

The suspect was described as a white male adult, mid to late twenties, approximately 6-3, 200 pounds, with wispy reddish colored facial hair.  He was last seen wearing a black zippered hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and a black beanie cap. Assisted by State Parole agents and Highway Patrol officers, EPD officers quickly set up a perimeter around the park.  Due to their availability, a K-9 team from the Arcata Police Department responded to assist with a search for the suspect.  A team of officers accompanied by the K-9 unit then entered the park and conducted an unsuccessful search for the suspect. The suspect was not located and he remains unidentified and outstanding as of the time of this release.  

 

Anyone with information concerning this robbery is asked to call the Eureka Police Department (707-441-4060).  Please direct your inquiries/information to the lead investigator, Senior Detective Ron Harpham, at 707-441-4305.  Detective Harpham is also looking to speak with a female witness who was driving a small minivan.  The witness reportedly saw the victim flee from his vehicle near Bryant and ‘N’ Streets.