San Francisco Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect 21-137

On Monday, June 14, 2021, at approximately 11:22 a.m., San Francisco Police officers from Southern Station responded to a business located on the 300 block of 5th Street regarding a robbery that had just occurred. Officers arrived on scene and met with the victim, an employee, who stated that a male entered the business, pointed a firearm at the victim, and demanded money. The victim handed the suspect money from the cash register and the suspect fled the scene on foot.

The SFPD Robbery Detail Investigators took over the investigation. Through the course of the investigation the suspect was identified as 38-year-old Craig Avery Smith of Oakland, California. Smith is on probation in San Francisco for possession of stolen property and probation in Alameda County for narcotics possession. Investigators attained an arrest warrant for Smith.

On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at approximately 11:30 a.m., SFPD Robbery Detail and Special Investigations Division Investigators along with the SFPD Tactical Unit arrested Smith on the 4900 block of Coliseum Way in Oakland. A firearm and evidence were located and seized during the arrest. Smith was booked into San Francisco County Jail for being convicted felon in possession of a firearm (29800(a)(1) PC), warrant for robbery (211 PC 2nd Degree, 12022.53 (a)(4) PC) and warrant for possession of narcotics (11350(a) HS) from Pacifica, CA.

View the video of the robbery and photos of seized items, which include a “ghost gun” firearm.

While an arrest has been made, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.