Suspects In Shell Station Robbery Linked To Others In State

A trio of suspects arrested Tuesday for allegedly robbing a gas station in Pacheco appear to be linked to several recent robberies throughout Northern California, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies arrested Mill Valley resident Ana Blander, 27, Maurice Jenkins, 18, of Menlo Park and a 17-year-old juvenile Tuesday night in connection with an armed robbery at a Shell gas station at 4355 Pacheco Boulevard, according to sheriff's office spokesman Jimmy Lee.

Just after the robbery at around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, an off-duty sheriff's sergeant spotted three suspicious subjects leaving the gas station.

An hour-long police pursuit ensued, ending near the Dumbarton Bridge around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday when the suspects yielded to a California Highway Patrol officer, Lee said.

After the arrests, detectives contacted more than 20 law enforcement agencies and found that the suspects apparently committed a series of robberies and burglaries last month.

The trio allegedly targeted individuals plus liquor and convenience stores throughout the Bay Area and as far as San Joaquin County, according to the sheriff's office.

Lee said the suspects used some of their ill-gotten gains over the past month on new rims and tinted windows for the stolen car they were using and a trip to Disneyland.

All three suspects face charges for robbery, burglary, felony evasion, and destroying evidence. Jenkins and Blander face a stolen vehicle charge, Lee said.
         
Detectives believe the three may be responsible for other unreported cases, and urge anyone who may have been victimized by the suspects to contact their local law enforcement agency.