CLEARLAKE >> The crack of gunshots led to the arrest of two on suspicion of armed robbery, as well as the location of an alleged illegal marijuana grow.
Clearlake police officers responding to reports of gunfire in the 4000 block of Sunset Ave early Sunday morning learned that three men had broken into a residence in an attempt to steal marijuana. One of the five people at the home was struck in the head by a blunt object during a subsequent struggle.
According to Clearlake Police Detective Ryan Peterson, several shots were fired during this encounter.
Investigators determined that Clearlake residents Christopher Cairati and Todd Davi, both 35, along with Joshua Joaquin, 24, were involved in the robbery. Officers located Cairati and Davi on Tuesday and took them into custody.
The third suspect remains at large.
“Joshua Joaquin is considered to be armed and dangerous,” Peterson said in a press statement, adding that authorities are seeking an arrest warrant.
While conducting a protective sweep of the home on the night of the incident, officers located a marijuana grow in the back yard. One of the five robbery victims indicated that he had a medical recommendation for the plants and that they belong to him.
“The victim identified that the marijuana was not for his personal use and that he sells the marijuana to local collectives, which is in violation of Proposition 215,” Peterson reported.
Further investigation led officers to believe the plants were grown for sale. After securing a search warrant, detectives found approximately 70 growing plants. They also uncovered evidence that led them to the robbery suspects.
“In the past, the City of Clearlake has seen an increase in home invasion robbery crimes associated with the cultivation of marijuana during this time of year,” Peterson said. “Persons who are in compliance with local ordinance and state law who cultivate marijuana for their legitimate medicinal use are cautioned and urged to contact the Clearlake Police Department with any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.”
Charges against one of the robbery victims are being submitted to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for the sale, possession and cultivation of marijuana.
Cairati was booked into the Lake County Jail for conspiracy, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, exhibiting a firearm and bringing a controlled substance into a jail facility. Davi was booked for robbery, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon and assault with a firearm.
Anyone with information in regard to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Elvis Cook at 707-994-8251 ext. 315. Anyone with information on the location of Joshua Joaquin is urged to contact Clearlake Police Department Dispatch at 707-994-8251.
Callers may remain anonymous.
