Suspects arrested for robbery at Ray's are both from Redding

On 08/10/22, at approximately 1225 hours, officers from the Arcata Police Department were dispatched to Rays Food Place (5000 Valley West Blvd) on the report of a robbery in progress.

Upon arrival, officers were advised by the on-site security officer, two males had entered the business and filled a cart with food and alcohol and attempted to leave without paying. The security officer stopped the men, at which time he became involved in a physical fight with one of the subjects. The second subject pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the security officer. The security officer backed away and both men fled on foot.

A citizen in the area observed the altercation and began to follow the two men in his vehicle. One of the subjects again pulled a handgun from his waistband and pointed it at the citizen. The citizen stopped, and both men continued away from the scene.

Officers, utilizing video surveillance, were able to determine the men had fled to a nearby hotel. Additional investigation revealed the men were staying in a room at the hotel located in the 4800 blk of Valley West Blvd. Officers contacted the subjects and were able to take them into custody without further incident.

Kobe Sai Nhamnhouane, 18 of Redding and a 17-year-old male juvenile also from Redding, were taken into custody for suspected violations of PC 211- Robbery, and PC 245- Assault with a Deadly Weapon. 

A search warrant was obtained for the motel room and two handguns were located.