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BREAKING: Armed gunman holds up Benicia business

January 26, 2012 by Editor 43 Comments

Staff Report

Benicia police said an armed robber entered a Southampton business Thursday afternoon and escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash.

No one was injured in the holdup at Check Into Cash, 806 Southampton Road, police said.

The lone suspect, armed with a handgun, entered the business around 4:48 p.m. and approached two female clerks and demanded money, police said.

Given cash, the suspect then reportedly fled the area on foot before police were notified. Benicia officers and detectives responded to the reported robbery but were unable to locate the suspect, according to a news release.

Police reported that witnesses described the suspect as a black male, between 18-25 years old, of medium height and with a thin build.

Police said detectives are following possible leads in the case. Those with information may call Benicia police at 707-745-3411.

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Comments

  1. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 26, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    It is very simple shoot them on sight. Discuss the situation later. If these thugs know that they may be killed they may go elsewhere. Now I kinow the do gooders are going to be outraged. Guess what I do hope these things do not happen at your house. I do believe you may have a different attitude.

    Reply
    • Pete says

      January 26, 2012 at 10:40 pm

      Now we have confirmation. You are an idiot.

      Reply
      • MR says

        January 27, 2012 at 12:46 pm

        Pete,

        Give Bob a break, he can’t help it. Please refer below to a just released study:

        Low-intelligence adults tend to gravitate toward socially conservative ideologies.
        There is reason to believe that strict right-wing ideology might appeal to those who have trouble grasping the complexity of the world.
        “Socially conservative ideologies tend to offer structure and order,” Hodson said, explaining why these beliefs might draw those with low intelligence. “Unfortunately, many of these features can also contribute to prejudice.”

        http://news.yahoo.com/low-iq-conservative-beliefs-linked-prejudice-180403506.html

        Reply
  2. Carl Mann says

    January 27, 2012 at 6:32 am

    These are thugs with a nexus to our neighbor Vallejo, in my opinion. Vallejo is criminal rich and under staffed police-wise. Seems like these criminals are reaching out to Benicia fairly consistently now.

    Reply
  3. Don Rameal says

    January 27, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Yes… Shoot them on site. It’s not like there is a middle school nearby or there are kids over at game stop all the time. Better yet maybe we should throw a grenade at them. I mean innocent bystanders shouldn’t be our concern right. As long as the check cashing place makes it’s 75% interest. Definitley don’t hire a security guard or somebullet proof glass that would be stupid.

    Reply
  4. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 27, 2012 at 8:42 am

    Does anyone care about the employees safety. I guess not. What if that criminal killed an employee? Is that OK. An armed guard could be the answer. I think folks live in Benicia because of the very low crime rate. You see very little if any armed security guards in town. Ask Wells Fargo about their robberies. If someone has a better answer I would like to know about how to stop this type of crime.

    Reply
  5. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:10 am

    Pete? who ever you are. You can call me an idiot all you want. My comment was meant to get some reaction and it did. This is a serious situation and it must be delt with. It is a armed guard needed in a situation like this, so be it. More police patrol where necessary, then that must be the action taken. Either way, more police, armed guard same conclusion could happen. They both have guns that art meant to kill. They are trained on how to use their weapons. If Pete has a better answer other than calling me an idiot lets hear it. Please understand this was an armed robbery. Do you not think it endangers everyone close by. Yes it does. The city could pass an ordanace to ban a place of business of that type. But remember they robbed Wells Fargo two times in that area. I would like to hear all the choices to prevent this from happening again. I have heard non yet.

    Reply
  6. Thomas Petersen says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:47 am

    Stricter gun laws (banning all new sales) would help in the reduction of firearms that make it into the hands of would-be miscreants and ne’er-do-wells.

    Reply
    • Luis says

      January 27, 2012 at 10:27 am

      Stricter gun laws will not prevent criminals from getting a hold of guns. Guns are resdily available to them either stealing them or black market.

      Reply
    • Mickey D says

      January 27, 2012 at 7:12 pm

      I don’t think so. Do some research and not spout off with a knee jerk statement.

      Also, Why is there always an attack on one’s political beliefs? Grow up.

      As for the robbery, the police were on site within less than two minutes. The suspect walked across Southampton Rd. in the direction of 801, not to be found. The pay clerk did what they were taught, give the money, not worth your life to resist.
      Now if the situation was a home invasion or personal robbery / attack, I’m all for defending one’s self.
      Just remember, when seconds count, the police are minutes away. Be prepared to protect yourself.

      Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:46 pm

        Was the first part of your comment meant for Luis or me? Not clear.

        Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:00 pm

        It was for you Mr. Thomas Petersen.

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:05 pm

        Mickd D, “Also, Why is there always an attack on one’s political beliefs? Grow up.” Really? Specifically, whose political beliefs did I attack? Seems that your response was a bit reactionary as well. You’re not the only kid on the playground.

        Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:23 pm

        I’m sorry Thomas, that part was not intended at you. It was a statement concerning all the posting that goes on here on the Herald articles. Political bantering never sets well in a public forum.

        My apologies to you for not being clear.

        Reply
  7. Thomas Petersen says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:01 am

    Restrictions on who can own guns, where they can be used, and what type of firearms are allowed would all combine to lower the incidence of crimes involving firearms. It seems pretty much a matter of common sense and simple math. Ideally, no one would own or use guns. But, barring that, restrictions are the best alternative. Stricter gun control laws are certain to reduce the number of gun-related crimes. If guns are not available, then they obviously cannot be used for a crime. Also, if merely having a gun is illegal, a potential criminal can be arrested for that before ever having the chance to commit a crime. This is shown in the many countries that have strict gun control laws.

    Reply
    • Mickey D says

      January 27, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      Your belief is wrong. Crime is higher in countries with tighter gun control.
      Maybe a tighter control on speech and your 1st amendment rights would be best.

      Reply
      • Real American says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:31 pm

        “Crime is higher in countries with tighter gun control.”

        This should be a rule: Stats or it’s not true. I’m not saying I don’t believe you, I just want to know where you got this information. Please provide a link. Thank you.

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:48 pm

        Mickey D., RA does make a point. I’m not saying I agree or disagree. However, one or two examples might clear it up.

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:13 pm

        Mickey, Hopefully you were not one of those gun owners that insisted on open-carrying in places like Starbucks in Downtown Walnut Creek (not really a high risk area for an armed skirmish to break out ). I blame those folks for the recent gun right restrictions enacted in California this year. Now one can’t legally carry in wilderness areas, where carrying makes a little more sense in regards to personal safety.

        Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:26 pm

        No I am not a proponent of open carry. That was a dumb tactic IMO.

        As for open carry on BLM land and other open areas, it’s still legal to carry openly and loaded. You are good to go.

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:32 pm

        BLM is an option. However, that is a rather geographically limited area in California. All other Federal, areas (as well as State areas), may not be an option anymore since they are subject to California fire arm laws.

        Reply
  8. Real American says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:08 am

    Debate on the meaning, historically and contemporaneously, of the term “well-armed militia” in 3 … 2 … 1 …

    Reply
    • Thomas Petersen says

      January 27, 2012 at 11:21 am

      Yes, “well armed”, as in well armed with a blunderbuss versus a fully automatic H&K UMP 45.

      Reply
    • Mickey D says

      January 27, 2012 at 7:50 pm

      RA, Britain and Australia banned nearly all firearms from general public possession. Both have higher crime rates than USA.

      Goggle is your friend.

      http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196941/The-violent-country-Europe-Britain-worse-South-Africa-U-S.html

      Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:56 pm

        Very good, There is some information one can sink ones teeth into. Well played sir.

        Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:11 pm

        Thank you kind sir. Perhaps we can discuss topics over coffee someday. =)
        With cops on Feb 9th?

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:24 pm

        MD, Thanks, but I’d feel a little behind the curve since I missed the first two meetings. But, if they start a “Top Shelf Tequila Shots with Cops” PR event I might consider it.

        Reply
    • Mickey D says

      January 27, 2012 at 7:52 pm

      Yet it’s ok for you both to make statemants without facts to back you up?
      Hmmm

      Reply
      • Real American says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:55 pm

        Such as?

        Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:01 pm

        Such as the statements made by Thomas Petersen.
        You, just a troll.

        Reply
      • Real American says

        January 27, 2012 at 8:07 pm

        Spoken like a true troll.

        Reply
  9. Robert Harvey-Kinsey says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:11 am

    The gunman fled on foot, chances are that he lives in the area not in Vallejo. I would check the local complexes for anyone who noticed a person running into the complex from that direction. Starting a neighborhood watch in that area would help as well as it seems to have a higher crime rate.

    While I am not a big fan of cameras in public spaces, as long as they have a strict delete policy so that after a given time frame it is delete if no crime has occurred and the city agrees to defend citizens’ rights to privacy barring such an event, I would support them. As far as Vallejo a camera tracking entrance and egress from the city would tell us if crime is correlated with traffic from their and it would help us catch the culprit.

    It would help if the local businesses would contribute to a reward fund for information on these crimes. Many times crimes like this are for the purchase of drugs and therefore the person who commits them will be around people who are likely to desire money themselves and would be tempted to turn them in. Targeting known areas with drug trafficking with flyer offering a reward is a good idea. Allowing the tips to be anonymous is essential as the culture in many areas with high crime rates is one of retribution. What you do give them a tip code and they can come in discretely to collect if their tip leads to a person being caught.

    Reply
  10. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 27, 2012 at 11:27 am

    I lived in Baltimore for thirteen years, 4,000 murders, yes that is right about 300 a year. I lived away from the murder area but we all were on watch. The criminals came to the area where the chance of making a big hit was available. We have a very low crime rate here and that is good. I would agree to start targeting kinown crime areas. There could be a price to pay on that. Profiling and the ACLU will be all over it. I say no more nice guy.

    Reply
  11. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 27, 2012 at 12:56 pm

    Pete and MR will not even identify themselves. I assume they can spell. Socialist MR can not stand up to any Conservative in anyway. The only thing that can do is be negative and show hatred to people he does not agree with. MR you are very easy to figure out. Try being nice for once. But at least tell us who you are. What is your fear?

    Reply
    • MR says

      January 27, 2012 at 3:19 pm

      I’m fearful that if you and the other right-wingers ever take over city government you’ll round up all the socialist /communist /envrio-greenies in town and lock us all up in one of those bunkers out in the industrial park.
      I must protect my family!

      Reply
  12. InfoWarrior says

    January 27, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Ok.. I am COMPLETELY with Bob on this one. It’s annoying to see all you trendy hippies talking about the importance of stricter gun control. You people do realize that the laws affect only LAW ABIDING citizens right? Criminals get their guns illegally through illegal networks. These criminals get their hands on 30 round magazines while law abiding citizens are bound to a 10 round limit. Criminals have access to assault weapons while law abiding citizens are limited to California regulated weapons. I have a CCW and own a business and had to go through all the background checks and training. These criminals do not. I was actually at the Southampton Shopping Center when the alarm went off and I was walking from my car to a nearby store. I paused and looked around at what was going on and saw the SECURITY GUARD strolling along while everyone else just went about their day…. It seemed like I was the only one concerned and unfortunately decided that it must have not been a big deal, and had to see on the Benicia Herald that there was a robbery that just took place a few hundred feet from me…
    You trendies can go ahead and be prey to the criminals at your own risk. Continue to live in your false reality of safety.

    Reply
    • Thomas Petersen says

      January 27, 2012 at 2:06 pm

      If laws were stricter on the sale of guns and the possession of guns, the amount of gun crimes would decrease. If the laws to purchase a gun, whether it be from a pawn shop or dealer, were stricter, they would be harder to get, and there would most likely be a waiting period. Stricter laws will never stop the problem, but will help with controlling it.

      BTW – Liberals own guns as well:

      http://www.theliberalgunclub.com/

      http://www.sanfranciscoliberalwithagun.com/default.html

      http://www.counterpunch.org/2011/09/16/the-liberal-gun-nut/

      Reply
      • Mickey D says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:25 pm

        So you post links to liberal gun sites. Obviously you have a different belief about guns and ownership than those views/beliefs on the links.
        Just making a point? Try reading the sites and educate yourself.

        Reply
      • Thomas Petersen says

        January 27, 2012 at 7:33 pm

        Mickey D, Do you understand now? I’m just shedding a little light.

        Reply
  13. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 27, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    I did not know that being a socialist/communist/enviro greenie brought fear with it. I assumed you would be proud of that and stand up just like the other folks and have no fear. Have no fear just tell us who you are. Remember you still have the CSC to protect you.

    Reply
    • Thomas Petersen says

      January 27, 2012 at 7:53 pm

      Also, I believe it is a common misconception/mistake to believe that socialists,communists, and /or the CSC are unarmed.

      Reply
  14. alhambra15 Bob Livesay says

    January 28, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Remember I did not say how they would protect you. I did not say they were armed.

    Reply
    • Thomas Petersen says

      January 28, 2012 at 9:36 am

      Nor did I.

      Reply

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