SFPD Arrest Robbery Suspect

On November 26, 2014, San Francisco Police were conducting undercover surveillance at various pharmacy locations within San Francisco. Over the last month, an Asian male approximately 25-35 years old, 5 feet 5 inches tall had been robbing pharmacies and banks throughout the City and County of San Francisco as well as in San Mateo County.

In pharmacy robberies, the suspect would approach the pharmacy counter and demand prescription pills while showing the victims a hand gun. When robbing a bank, the suspect would produce a demand note to the teller. Investigators were able to provide officers with images of the suspect from bank surveillance. The suspect would frequently wear various disguises during the commission of these crimes.

During the course of their surveillance, officers observed a suspect matching the above description loitering around a pharmacy and attempted to detain him. A foot pursuit ensued and Sean Yakota, 35 of San Francisco, was taken into custody. Upon further investigation it was determined that Yakota was the suspect responsible for 15 robbery incidents throughout San Francisco and San Mateo County. Yakota was booked on several robbery and firearms charges without further incident.

Yakota’s booking photo will not be included in this press release due to pending identification matters.

Anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact lead investigator Sergeant Tracy Boes (415) 553-9143, the Anonymous tip line at 415-575-4444, or text-a-top to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message.