Worrying Trend of Sacramento Armed Robberies Continues

[Mike Oliver]

I've been researching the recent upsurge in armed robberies in Downtown Sacramento over the past two weekends. I wanted to share what I've learned with everyone associated with our dojo.

There are some common themes in the nature of the robbery and in the chosen victims. Most, but not all, of the robberies are targeting female pedestrians. The suspect demands or takes the victim's purse or other belongings and then either runs away or flees on a bicycle. The weapon most often used, or claimed to be carried by the suspect, is a gun.

Here are some specific tips to keep you safe against this kind of robbery. We talk about these principles in our adult classes frequently, but I'd like to share them with all of our parents of young students as well.

1. Pick your place and time. The most sure way to stay safe is to not be there. Most robberies and assaults in California happen late at night up through the early morning.

2. Walk in groups. You aren't as easy of a target if you are with people.

3. Be alert. Especially as you are shopping and leaving downtown establishments. Be mindful of any alcohol intake at bars and restaurants and how it might impact your awareness and ability to make good decisions.

4. Carry minimal valuables. If you carry a purse, put your ID, cash, and credit card in your pocket. Don't carry extra credit cards and cash. It's much easier to cancel one card than three. Don't carry your social security card, passport, or any other hard to replace legal document. In the hands of some criminals, these are worth much more than your cash.

5. Don't resist. If you are robbed, just give up the goods. The dojo, family, and friends can rally behind you and help you financially afterwards if you need it. We can't heal wounds and bring back lives. Resistance is for when you feel your life, and those of your loved ones, are in danger.

Anyone with information about a crime can call the police dispatch center at [phone] or Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP (4357).

Tips can also be texted to 274637 (CRIMES). Enter SACTIP followed by the tip information. Callers/texters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Here are the relevant crime activity logs:

Friday, Dec. 21 at 26th and H streets

"Victims were walking when they were robbed by a male Hispanic suspect. The victims were not hurt during the incident."

Saturday , Dec. 22 at 11th St and L streets

"The victim and a friend were walking in the area when the suspect ran up to them from behind. The suspect grabbed the victim’s purse and a brief struggle over it ensured. The suspect was able to overpower the victim’s grasp and continued to run – fleeing with the victim’s property. No injuries were reported and this investigation is ongoing."
12-344549, Robbery, 500 block of 24th St, 0136,

Saturday , Dec. 22 at 24th and E streets

"The victim was walking when she was approached by an armed suspect who demanded her property. The victim gave the suspect her purse then she chased the suspect down and was able to retrieve her property. The suspect, and another person he was with, fled on foot from the victim."

Sunday, Dec. 23 at 700 block of 18th St

"A victim was walking home from work when she was approached by suspects that got out of a car. The suspects stole her purse and fled on foot. The suspects were described as three Hispanic or white male adults and one was armed with a handgun. The suspect vehicle was described as a white 4-door older model sedan."

Last weekend's incidents:

Friday, Dec. 14 at 10:23 p.m., at P and 18th Streets.

A man on a bicycle rode up and grabbed a woman's purse.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 1:19 a.m., on the 2600 block of I Street.

A man crashed into a woman, demanded both her and her friend's purses, and indicated he had a gun. The women didn't see a gun and the suspect fled on the bicycle.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:23 p.m., on the 2100 block of L Street.

A man in a wheelchair was robbed of his cash by a man who fled on a nearby bicycle. The victim recognized the suspect, who was described as a thin Indian man, about 55 years old.

Saturday, Dec. 15, at 11:47 p.m., on the 700 block of 26th Street.

Two women were robbed by a man who threatened to stab one if they didn't give him their purses. The suspect was described as a white man, with blonde hair, brown eyes, clean shaven, wearing a black raincoat and windbreaker.