Strong-Armed Burglary Spree in Ukiah
UKIAH – Christmas joy was interrupted for two unfortunate Ukiah residents, both victims of a strong-armed robbery. On December 26th a 19-year-old male was stopped by a suspect in a white vehicle near Mason and Norton Streets who demanded everything he possessed. The suspect produced a semi-automatic handgun and pressed it to the victim’s chest.
Corner of Mason and Norton Street
A second suspect exited the vehicle and also displayed a handgun. The victim surrendered his skateboard, backpack and cellphone. Minutes later a 26-year-old female was approached by a handgun-wielding man in a white vehicle who also demanded everything she had.
The female victim resisted surrendering her purse, at which time the suspect hit her in the back of her head with the gun and as a result took her purse.
UPD detectives were able to quickly identify the primary suspect as 21-year-old Eric Mario Patino from Willits. Within 24 hours Willits Police stopped Patino as he was driving a white Mazda sedan. They found the stolen property from the two robberies in the car. In addition they found a semi-automatic handgun and methamphetamine.
Upon further investigation, police determined that Patino was responsible for a third robbery earlier the previous day on Highway 101.
Patino’s charges include robbery, brandishing a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon and making terrorist threats. He is being held in the Mendocino County Jail without bail.
Read More:
Ukiah Daily Journal: Suspect Arrested in Ukiah Armed Robberies
