Man in Custody is Suspected of Committing Armed Robberies in Pinole
PINOLE — A man suspected of committing a series of armed robberies is in custody. The suspect was arrested by Pinole detectives working with the Contra Costa County FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Victims of the robberies in Pinole provided police with descriptions of the suspect and the handgun he used. They also provided descriptions of the suspect’s vehicle, including its license plate number.
Investigators determined the same man committed the robberies. The 49-year- old suspect Michael D. Barber was recorded on surveillance video committing one of the robberies.
On November 2, two warrants were executed at Barber’s residence on the 1200 block of 102 nd Avenue in Oakland. One was a Ramey Warrant for his arrest and a second was a search warrant.
Barber who was on parole for a prior robbery conviction was arrested without incident, as he exited from his home.
When his home was searched, Pinole detectives recovered clothing that he allegedly wore during the robberies. The handgun believed used in the robberies was also located and recovered from inside his residence.
Barber was booked for three counts of second-degree robbery and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon. His other charges include felon in possession of a firearm, making criminal threats, and parole violation.
He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility. Meanwhile, his case remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this case can call the Pinole Police Department, 510-724-1111.
