SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release
		Release #06-14-04 June 14, 2004 For Immediate Release
						Media Office 916-433-0808  Capt. Joe Valenzuela Sgt. Justin Risley, PIO Ofc. Michelle Lazark PIC Audrey Lee     Internet: www.sacpd.org

As of mid-May, there has been an increase in robberies and attempted robberies on the American River bike trail.  The portions of the bike trail where these robberies are occurring are primarily the Del Paso/Northgate/Garden Highway areas.

The suspects and situations are different in each incident:
 

• On May 10, 2004, at approximately 4:25 p.m., at Northgate Boulevard/Hwy 160, a male Black, early 20’s, and a male Hispanic, early 20’s, hit the victim and took the victim’s bike.

• On May 12, 2004, at approximately 3:49 p.m., at Garden Hwy/Northgate Boulevard, a male Hispanic, 30’s, hit the victim and went through the victim’s pockets.

• On May 17, 2004, at approximately 2:55 p.m., at Garden Hwy/Northgate Boulevard, a male Hispanic, 25 years old, stabbed the victim and took the victim’s money.

• On May 26, 2004, at approximately 2:00 p.m., at Northgate Boulevard/Del Paso Boulevard, a male White, 40-45 years old, simulated a gun, took a Rolex watch and the victim’s bike.

• On May 29, 2004, at approximately 5:35 p.m., at Northgate Boulevard/Del Paso Boulevard, a male Hispanic, 17 years old, and a male Black/Hispanic 18-20 years old, brandished a handgun at the victim and ran.  Nothing was taken in this incident.

• On June 1, 2004, between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., at Del Paso Boulevard/Railroad Drive, a male Hispanic, 18-20 years old, and a male Hispanic/White, 18-20 years old, told the victim that they were undercover police.  They handcuffed the victim and hit the victim with a stick. Nothing was taken.

Suspect Descriptions:  There are several suspects ranging in age and race.  One of the male Hispanic suspects in his 30’s had a butterfly tattoo on his right forearm.  A different Hispanic male in his 30’s had long black sideburns.

SAFETY TIP:  When utilizing the bike trail there are things you can do to safeguard yourself and your belongings.  Never wear earphones while riding on the trail.  Be aware of your surroundings.   Carry a cell phone with you for protection.    Report any suspicious activity to the police department.  By doing so, you may have prevented a crime.

For additional safety tips, log onto our web site at www.sacpd.org.
 
Anyone with information on these crimes is asked to call Crime Alert at (916) 443-HELP or (800) AA-CRIME.  Callers can remain anonymous