Police investigate, seek public's assistance on three Elk Grove online-staged armed robberies

August 24, 2018 |  

The Elk Grove Police department is seeking the assistance of the public to help identify suspects who staged three robberies set-up from online purchases. 

The three robberies were staged over a two hour period starting just before 8 p.m. on Thursday, August 23. In each of the incidents, the victims were contacted online to make purchases of merchandise on Lotz Parkway, Halverson Drive, and Feickert Drive.

The modus operandi of the suspects, all who were described as between  18 and 25, was to arrange at the specified areas to make a purchase. When contact was made, one of the suspects would brandish a firearm and demand the property, and after the victim, who in each case was alone complied, would flee. 

In the first incident, the two male suspects were described as a Hispanic and Black. Those suspects fled on foot. 

In the second incident, the three male suspects were both described as two Black, one white and fled in an awaiting grey SUV. The third incident had two Black male suspects who fled on foot. None of the victims were injured. 

Police are seeking the public's assistance if any of the residences in the area of the robberies caught the robberies on surveillance cameras. Those with surveillance cameras in those areas are asked to call (916) 714-5115 so investigators can review their footage from last night.

Additionally, police remind people that are arranging a meeting for the sale of merchandise being sold online, to meet at places such as a police department, be accompanied, and do it during daylight hours.