CLEARLAKE >> Initially reported as a robbery at gunpoint, Clearlake Police Department (CPD) Sgt. Nick Bennett confirmed that a Tuesday morning incident was actually a case of grand theft auto.
A “Be on the Look Out” was issued via scanner at about 9:50 a.m. for a man who reportedly robbed the Mendo Lake Credit Union and left driving a blue 1996 Ford Areostar van stolen from a woman who he held at gunpoint at the Safeway parking lot on Olympic Drive.
While Bennett said the suspect did steal the car from the woman, he did not rob the credit union nor hold anyone at gunpoint. The man and woman, he said, were getting ready to walk inside the credit union when he informed her that he had a gun on him and asked the woman to put it in her vehicle. Bennett said initial reports indicate the woman gave him the money she was going to deposit and when she opened the van, the suspect reportedly jumped in with the money took off. It is unclear if the two were previously acquainted.
It is unknown as of press time if the suspect was arrested, but Bennett said authorities know the man and he is from Fort Bragg.
A full story of the incident will be published once information becomes available.
