A trio of alleged robbers is behind bars after a spree of cigarette heists ended in a dramatic chase in Fremont. The Fremont Police Department reported that on the night of January 22, officers responded to a routine call of a robbery at a local Central Ave convenience store, where two masked individuals reportedly swiped cartons of cigarettes and threatened the store clerks into submission with gestures implying hidden firearms. The suspects fled in what was later discovered to be a stolen vehicle.
A swift pursuit by police resulted in the suspect vehicle crashing into the curb near Central Ave and Cedar Blvd in Newark. The driver, Zocari Randy Hicks, and his accomplice, Warren Christopher Rodgers Jr., fled on foot, leaving the rear passenger, Keotis King Patterson, to be promptly detained by officers. Newark Police stepped in to assist, capturing Rodgers Jr. shortly after. After establishing a perimeter, Fremont officers gave chase and apprehended Hicks. A search of the wreckage unearthed a trove of stolen cigarettes valued at around $10,000.
All three men were booked at Santa Rita Jail under various charges. According to a press release by the Fremont Police Department, 18-year-old Hicks faces charges including robbery, evading a pursuing peace officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, resisting a peace officer, and providing false identification to a peace officer. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office further charged Hicks with additional vehicle and robbery-related offenses.
The third suspect, Patterson, a 22-year-old from San Lorenzo, had his share of charges, including robbery and an outstanding warrant for murder issued by Antioch PD. The district attorney's office also pressed an additional charge for resisting a peace officer. Patterson's past run-ins with the law include arrests for firearm possession. Rodgers Jr., the 21-year-old accomplice from Newman, was also slapped with robbery and resisting arrest charges.
To round up any further evidence, Fremont Police have appealed to the public for information. Officer Jeryll Perez can be contacted at (510) 790-6800 or via email at [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by texting "Tip FREMONTPD" followed by the message, to 888-777.
