Details and update on suspect that robbed Pat's market

On 8-6-14, at about 8:00 AM, a male suspect entered Pat’s Market with the intent to steal from the cash register. The suspect wore a unique blue hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, sunglasses, black shoes with a white stripe at the sole and a white face covering. The suspect kept his right hand in his sweatshirt pocket leading the clerk to believe he was armed. The suspect said in a deep male voice, “Cash”.  The clerk said, “How is it going?” The suspect said, “Hand it over.”  The suspect leaned over the register counter and reached with his left hand to the side of the register drawer and opened the register.  The suspect took money from the register, grabbed several bags of Cheetos and fled.

On 8-7-14, at about 6:34 PM, a male suspect entered Pat’s Market again with the intent to steal from the register.  This time there were four customers inside the store. The method of operation was the same. The clothing was slightly different. The suspect appeared to wear the same pants and shoes but wore a plain black hooded sweatshirt and a grayish ski mask.  The black hooded sweatshirt appeared to have a front zipper but did not show any unique markings. The suspect weaved between the customers, leaned over the counter and again reached with his left hand to open the register. His right hand remained in his sweatshirt pocket. The clerk pushed the suspect away. He yielded and fled empty handed.

In both cases the suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’6” and medium build. In both cases the suspect approached the store from the north and fled back the same way. In the first incident, he turned east into the alley and ran towards N Street. Investigators have recovered the blue sweatshirt from within the area of the escape route.  EPD believes the suspect lived near the store to the east. We have attached video and photographs of the sweatshirt to this news release.

The sweatshirt is a St Bernards sweatshirt that was used by someone who either painted  or dry walled while wearing it. Specifically there is a unique white stain on the back of the right shoulder.  Investigators are requesting anyone who recognizes this unique blue sweatshirt and has knowledge of the wearer to contact Detective Ron Harpham at 441-4305 or rharpham@ci.eureka.ca.gov.