Investigators have arrested a Yermo man in connection with a string of armed robberies targeting convenience stores in Hesperia and Victorville early Thursday.
James Fredrick Dunham, 34, was taken into custody about 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at his home in the 37100 block of Calico Boulevard, roughly 16 hours after the alleged robbery spree, according to San Bernardino County jail records.
He was booked on suspicion of three counts of robbery.
All three robberies took place over a 22-minute span between 3:37 a.m. and 3:59 a.m.
Circle K robbery
The first crime took place at Circle K, Bail was set at $400,000, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department officials said.
Dunham first grabbed two coffee drinks from a refrigerator before walking to the counter, according to a statement from the agency.
“Dunham approached the clerk, displayed the grip of a black semi-automatic handgun, and ordered the clerk to give him all of the money in the cash register, as well as five packs of cigarettes,” the statement said.
The employee complied, and the suspect fled the location in a black SUV, sheriff’s department spokeswoman Lyndsi Garrett said.
Maverik gas station robbery
Authorities allege the same man showed up at a Maverik gas station at 12970 Mariposa Road in Victorville.
Deputies responded to what was initially reported as a person brandishing a handgun at the business, according to sheriff’s department spokeswoman Socorro Cuevas.
“The suspect left without paying for items,” she said. He fled the area before deputies arrived.
ARCO robbery
The final robbery took place at an ARCO station at 16251 D St. in Victorville, Cuevas said.
“The suspect entered the ARCO and brandished a black firearm and demanded the employee to give him all the money,” she said.
The man, who wore a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants, was last seen fleeing in an SUV with cash stolen from the business’ register.
After identifying Dunham as the suspect, deputies from the Hesperia Gang Enforcement Team arrested him while serving search warrant at his home.
Bail was set at $400,000 pending an initial court appearance, records show.
Anyone with information can reach the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500 or the Victorville Police Department at (760) 241-2911. Information may also be shared anonymously with the WeTip hotline at (844) 909-3096.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Suspect arrested in series of three robberies in Hesperia, Victorville
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press | USA TODAY Network
