Suspect in three robberies found

A man alleged to have committed three armed robberies in Alameda on Sunday, June 12, is now in police custody, according to the Alameda Police Department (APD).

The suspect, identified as Richard J. Lachaux, 27, was arrested by the San Francisco police officers in San Francisco on unrelated charges, Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. 

APD has been working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) to obtain the suspect. Once he is in APD’s custody he will be booked on several charges including armed robbery.

The man was accused of committing three armed robberies in Alameda in a 25-minute span. First he robbed a victim at the Wells Fargo ATM on South Shore Center at 9:20 p.m., according to Alameda police reports. The suspect then went to the Walgreens around 9:34 p.m. where he brandished his handgun upon entering. He discharged his firearm in the air and demanded everyone lie face down on the floor. He then searched the pockets of two victims and took the belongings of a third. 

Finally, the man went to Alameda Cellars, an adult beverage convenience store, on the 2400 block of Encinal Avenue at 9:45 p.m. and he robbed another victim. He also shot his firearm again while leaving the establishment. 

The suspect then entered his vehicle and fled the scene. However, before he could get away, APD officers caught up to him. They were involved in a short pursuit with the suspect, but “due to the extremely reckless manner the suspect was driving in his stolen vehicle, APD cancelled the pursuit in the interest of the public’s safety,” according to APD.

The Walgreens’ surveillance camera was able to get a good picture of Lachaux. He was originally identified as an African-American male about 5’ 7” to 5’ 10” with medium to stocky build. He was wearing black shorts, a white T-shirt and a Batman beanie. 

San Francisco police officers arrested the man less than two hours after his last robbery. They were also able to obtain the stolen vehicle, which police say was taken in an armed robbery in Hayward.  

APD asks anyone with additional information on the robberies call 337-8350.