NORTHSHORE – The Lake County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate a series of reported carjacking attempts and burglaries that happened last week along Highway 20.

 

On Jan. 23, several area residents driving along Highway 20 near Robinson Rancheria after 9:30 p.m. reported attempts to carjack their vehicles by several individuals, one of whom appeared to be carrying a shotgun, according to witness accounts.

Sheriff's deputies responded that night and took one 17-year-old from Lucerne into custody, and arrested two 15-years-olds, one from Nice and one from Upper Lake, on Jan. 24.

On Monday, Lt. Patrick McMahon said a fourth suspect, a 14-year-old who lived at Robinson Rancheria, was arrested for conspiracy and for throwing objects at vehicles on the highway.

The fourth teen has not been charged with attempted carjacking, said McMahon, because he appeared to be only “peripherally” involved.

At about as the fourth arrest took place a fifth victim, a 74-year-old man from Clearlake Oaks, came forward, McMahon reported.

Police are still looking for the weapon, McMahon said. The teens claimed they were only using a BB gun, but deputies were unable to locate it, said McMahon.

A sergeant who responded to the scene Jan. 23 saw what he believed was a shotgun, said McMahon, which corresponds with accounts from victims, who also said a shotgun was used.

“We're pretty confident that it was a real firearm,” McMahon said.

He added that detectives continue to follow that case.

LCSO detectives also are investigating a series of commercial burglaries that took place the night of Jan. 25, said McMahon.

A plumbing business in Upper Lake, Lakeview Market in Lucerne and the Lucerne Senior Center were hit the same night.

The senior center's board president, Jim Swatts, said $150 cash, two DVD players and a computer were among the items stolen. Deana Parlet of Lakeview Market reported the suspects made a mess in the store but came away with nothing.

McMahon said detectives have received no active leads yet in the rash of burglaries. However, he urged anyone with information on any of these cases to call LCSO at 262-4200.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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