SFPD Make Arrest in Motorcycle Bandit
 Armed Robbery Series 19-017

On December 6, 2018, a series of armed robberies began in San Francisco, committed by a male suspect wearing a motorcycle helmet and riding a motorcycle.  At approximately 10:22PM, the suspect walked into a Eureka Valley neighborhood market, brandished a firearm at the cashier, and demanded cash from the register. The cashier complied and the suspect fled the business with cash and merchandise.

Approximately an hour later, an Inner Sunset District gas station was robbed in the same manner.  The location of this robbery was less than 2 miles away from the Eureka Valley market.

Through the course of an investigation, SFPD Robbery Investigators developed information that led to a possible suspect wanted for a similar crime in a neighboring jurisdiction.

On January 11, 2019 at approximately 7:44AM, a suspect wearing a motorcycle helmet rode into a Marina District gas station where he brandished a firearm and robbed the establishment.

On January 12, 2019 at approximately 5:45AM, a suspect walked into a Marina District restaurant and robbed the establishment at gunpoint.

Over the course of the following week, SFPD Investigators developed and followed multiple leads which resulted in the positive identification of the suspect.  On January 17, 2019 members of the SFPD Robbery Detail, the Special Investigations Detail, and the Tactical Unit, served a search warrant on the 2400 block of 21st Street in San Pablo, CA where they arrested 27 year-old Ricardo Jose Escobar-Hernandez.

Escobar-Hernandez was booked for a total of 5 commercial robberies, 2 counts of vehicle theft, and possession of stolen property for the robberies in San Francisco.  Escobar-Hernandez has been linked to 7 additional robberies in surrounding Bay Area counties. His booking photo accompanies this news release.

Although an arrest has been made this remains an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the SFPD 24 hour tip line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.