Austin Ryan Alexander.
On Thursday, May 7th, 2020 at approximately 6:08 P.M., Redding Police Officers responded to south Redding in regards to a robbery that had just occurred. While enroute to the call officers learned that the robbery victim, 19 year old Anthony Larson of Redding, and his family were chasing the suspects who were fleeing in a vehicle. The victim and his family members, who were operating two vehicles, chased the single suspect vehicle from Redding to Anderson. At one point during the chase, the victims managed to box the suspects in, but the suspects rammed both victim vehicles and continued to flee. When the suspects reached Anderson, the Anderson Police Department was able to conduct a traffic stop on all of the involved vehicles.
Investigation revealed that 19 year old Austin Ryan Alexander of Eureka, California, and a 15 year old juvenile also of Eureka, arranged to purchase Nike sneakers from the victim after finding the shoes for sale online. The suspects and the victim agreed to meet at a location in south Redding. While the suspects were inspecting the shoes, they suddenly jumped into their vehicle and fled. Alexander drove the suspect vehicle at a high rate of speed southbound on Highway 273 in an effort to escape. During the chase the suspects rammed both victim vehicles in an effort to further their escape.
Alexander was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail on charges of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. The 15 year old juvenile was cited and released to a relative. Nobody was injured, the stolen sneakers were recovered, and all the involved vehicles suffered only minor damage.
The Redding Police Department would like to remind citizens that Community Meet Up Spots exist at the Redding Police Department that allow for the safe exchange of internet based purchases. The parking spots are painted green and marked with green signs. They can be found on the east side of the Redding Police Department building at 777 Cypress Avenue. The spaces are covered by video surveillance for additional user safety.
