Crime & Safety

PetSmart Shooting Suspect to Be Arraigned

Ricky Sanders, dubbed the "Chrome Revolver Bandit," is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.

A man dubbed the "Chrome Revolver Bandit" due to the large silver-barreled revolver he allegedly used to commit robberies throughout the Bay Area, including , will be arraigned in San Mateo County Superior Court Wednesday afternoon.

Ricky Sanders, 34, is a third striker and parolee who was arrested in November for the Oct. 8 robbery and shooting at the PetSmart at at 3520 S. El Camino Real, according to authorities.

Sanders allegedly demanded cash and then fired several shots at the clerk and fled from the store, police said.

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The clerk, a 34-year-old San Mateo man, suffered a gunshot wound and was transported to a nearby hospital. His injuries were not considered life threatening, police said.

There were about 15 customers in the store at the time of the robbery, and police interviewed witnesses at the scene. Part of South El Camino Real was closed for about an hour during the investigation.

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San Mateo police collaborated with other local law enforcement agencies and learned the robbery matched characteristics of what authorities dubbed the "Chrome Revolver Bandit" series.

Five Bay Area counties speculated that more than 30 robberies in more than a dozen jurisdictions involved a similar method of operation and suspect description, San Mateo Police Sgt. Dave Norris said.

Sanders is also charged with robberies or attempted robberies at a Beverages & More and Game Stop in Colma, according to prosecutors.

He is in custody without bail. San Mateo Patch will update this story following the arraignment.

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