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Fairfield Armed Robbery Suspect Arrested After Chase

FAIRFIELD (CBS SF) -- Police arrested a man in connection with an armed robbery of a business in Fairfield on Thursday evening after a vehicle and foot pursuit, police said.

The robbery was reported by an employee at a shopping center at the intersection of Travis Boulevard and Oliver Road about 6 p.m., police said.

Police arrested Benjamin Fowler, 31, of Fairfield, on suspicion of armed robbery after the pursuit.

The employee at the store said a man with a handgun entered the business and demanded money, according to police.

The suspect fled the scene and was seen by witnesses driving away in a white pickup truck, police said.

Police responded to the area and spotted a white pickup truck with a driver matching the witness description of the robbery suspect.

The truck was traveling on West Texas Street near Beck Avenue. An officer attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver evaded the officer, resulting in a short vehicle pursuit.

The suspect jumped from the moving truck near the intersection of Lincoln and Utah streets and continued to flee from officers on foot, police said.

A perimeter was set up and a search was conducted utilizing police dogs and officers on foot.

The suspect was soon located hiding out in the backyard of a neighboring residence and was arrested following a brief struggle with officers.

A simulated handgun, almost identical to a firearm, was found during a search of the vehicle, police said.

Fowler was discovered to be on parole for armed robbery throughout the state of California.

He was booked into Solano County Jail on suspicion of armed robbery and felony evading police, police said.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

 

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