Berkeley Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested

Officers at around 11:10 a.m. on July 12 responded to a report of an armed robbery at an El Cerrito Valero station, police said.

Posted Thu, Jul 22, 2021 at 10:37 am PT|Updated Thu, Jul 22, 2021 at 4:13 pm PT

EL CERRITO, CA — A Berkeley man was arrested last week in connection with an armed robbery at a gas station, the El Cerrito Police Department said.

Eric Dewayne Smith, 25, was arrested Saturday in connection with the robbery according to police.

Officers at around 11:10 a.m. on July 12 responded to a report of an armed robbery at a Valero station, police said.

Smith held his victim at gunpoint and stole his chain and watch after the victim let Smith borrow his cellphone, police said.

Detectives identified Smith as the suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest according to police.

A 40-caliber semi-automatic firearm with an extended magazine was recovered during a follow-up search warrant according to police.

Smith is on probation and parole and has been charged by the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office according to police.

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