Victim trails suspect after armed robbery

Police arrested a man Saturday evening after he allegedly robbed another man at gunpoint near downtown Santa Rosa.

At 6:43 p.m., officers responded to a report of an armed robbery on the Prince Memorial Greenway, according to police.

The victim, who called police, said he was walking when the suspect approached him and asked him if he had change for $100.

The victim told the suspect he didn’t have any change, police said.

The suspect then removed a concealed and loaded firearm from his waistband, demanding the victim to hand over his phone and wallet. Fearing his safety, the victim complied, according to police.

After removing money from the victim’s wallet, the suspect fled the area on foot. The victim followed the suspect at a distance, as he called police to report the robbery, police said.

When officers arrived, they were able to locate the suspect near a pay phone at the Transit Mall, according to police.

When officers attempted to detain the suspect, he immediately ran.

Officers pursued him for a short distance and ultimately apprehended him, police said.

Police identified him as 24-year-old Emmanuel Williams, of Santa Rosa.

When officers searched Williams, they found him in possession of a loaded Ruger .22-caliber handgun. Officers also discovered Williams had connections to a gang from Oakland, according to police.

Officers arrested Williams on suspicion of armed robbery with a firearm, being a gang participant with a loaded firearm, gang enhancement and resisting a peace officer, police said.

Williams has been booked into the Sonoma County jail, according to police.

Bay City News

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