Gas Station Clerk Uses Pepper Spray To Foil Robbery: SCPD

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Police in Santa Cruz earlier this month arrested a man in connection with several crimes including robbery and resisting arrest. Noland West, 27, was arrested on suspicion of robbery, resisting arrest, probation violation and outstanding warrants for burglary and a narcotic violation, according to the Santa Cruz Police Department. He was taken into custody on March 11, according to police.

On Feb. 28 at approximately 1:40 a.m., a man, later identified by police as West, entered the Shell gas station at 805 Water St., pulled a bandanna over his face, pulled out a firearm and demanded money from the clerk. Police said West touched the gun barrel to the clerk's forehead during the robbery.

The clerk recognized the firearm as a bb gun and defended himself by spraying the suspect with pepper spray, and West fled the scene on his bike, according to police. During the investigation, police reviewed security footage of the incident and were able to identify West as the suspect.

On March 11, officers spotted West, but as they attempted to contact him, he tried to flee, police said. He was taken into custody after a brief struggle.

By Bay City News