DAVIS, Calif. — The Davis Police Department has identified at least one suspect involved in recent ciy robberies.
In less than a month, five people were robbed while walking alone in Davis, according to the police. Davis police said after a UC Davis professor was robbed at gunpoint on Friday, Sept. 20, three other people were robbed in similar fashion. So far, police have identified one suspect in connection with a robbery that occurred on Saturday, Oct.5.
In all five cases, the suspect, or suspects, approached the victim while they were alone on a street or sidewalk. Most of the robberies occurred in the evening.
In all cases, the suspect threatened the victims with a handgun before taking something from them, usually including personal electronics and wallets.
The robberies took place on the following dates:
- Thursday, Sept. 19, near Mace Boulevard and the Interstate 80 overpass.
- Friday, Sept. 20, on Russell Boulevard near Hwy. 113.
- Friday, Sept. 27, along to 80 block of Alvarado Avenue.
- Saturday, Oct. 5, near Villanova Drive and Sycamore Lane.
- Tuesday, Oct. 8, near Reed and Rutgers Drives.
Lt. Paul Doroshov said police are investigating whether or not the robberies are connected.
"We haven't reached a conclusion that they all are absolutely connected," Doroshov said.
Police said suspect descriptions so far have been limited and are vaguely similar. Officers were able to locate and pursue the robbers following a recent incident, however, the suspects escaped while the car , gun and items used in the robbery were recovered.
Davis police strongly recommend community members remain vigilant. Doroshov said they should remember that it is better to cooperate with a robber.
"Property can always be replaced," Doroshov said.
To avoid becoming a victim, and reduce the potential for harm, Davis Police encouraged the following:
- Avoid walking alone late in the evening hours.
- If you must walk alone, avoid dark underpopulated areas.
- Avoid using or being distracted by your cell phone while in public.
- Cooperate if an armed or potentially armed person confronts you; property can always be replaced.
- Report suspicious persons and behavior.
- Activate tracking software on phones and electronic devices.
Anyone with information about these robberies is urged to contact the Davis Police Department at (530)747-5400.
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