5 Robbed At Gunpoint In Separate Davis Incidents: Police

DAVIS, CA — The Davis Police Department is investigating a string of armed robberies in the city. Within the last few weeks, five people have been robbed at gunpoint in separate incidents, police said Thursday.

"In all five cases the suspect(s) have approached the victim on a street or sidewalk and threatened the victim with a handgun before taking property," police said. "Property taken has included personal electronics — phones and computers — along with wallets."

In each case, the victims were walking alone, police said, adding that most of the crimes happened during evening hours.

Here is when and where each robbery happened:

• Thursday, Sept. 19 on Mace Boulevard at the I-80 Overpass in South Davis
• Friday, Sept. 20 on Russell Boulevard in close proximity to State Highway 113 in West Davis
• Friday, Sept. 27 in the area of 880 Alvarado in North Davis
• Saturday, Oct. 5 in the area of Villanova Drive and Sycamore Lane in North Davis
• Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the area of Reed Drive and Rutgers Drive in Central Davis

In the Oct. 5 robbery, police say officers chased the suspected robbers.

"Although they escaped capture after a short pursuit, the vehicle, gun and items used in the robbery were recovered," police said. "At least one of the suspects has been identified and detectives are currently looking for him."

Davis police are also continuing to investigate whether the cases are linked to the same suspect or suspects. Descriptions of the suspects have been limited and are only "vaguely similar," police said.

The string of robberies prompted the Davis Police Department to offer ways people can avoid becoming a victim of robbery:

• Avoid walking alone late in the evening hours.
• If you must walk alone, avoid dark unpopulated areas.
• Avoid using or being distracted by your cell phone while in public.
• Cooperate if you are confronted by an armed or potentially armed person; property can always be replaced.
• Report suspicious persons and/or behavior.
• Activate tracking software on phones and electronic devices.

"As always, we strongly recommend that community members remain vigilant," police said.

Anyone with information about the robberies is urged to contact the Davis Police Department at 530-747-5400.