By Mike Hazlip—
Citrus Heights police on Tuesday announced the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with two robberies in the city.
James Michael Sawyers, 45, was arrested in Roseville and booked at the Placer County jail, police said in a March 22 press release. Police Lt. Wesley Herman said detectives were investigating Sawyers as a suspect in two Citrus Heights robberies when a suspect matching Sawyers’ description committed another robbery in Roseville.
Police said Sawyers is the suspect of a robbery at the Citrus Heights Lowe’s store on Feb. 21, and at the Walmart on Auburn Boulevard a day later. The suspect in both robberies used a note claiming he had a firearm.
A suspect matching Sawyer’s description then committed a robbery of a Walmart in Roseville on March 7, according to police. Investigators from Citrus Heights and Roseville police departments worked together to conduct a surveillance of Sawyers that led to his arrest.
A news release by Roseville police said officers located a vehicle matching the description of the one involved in the robberies in the 200 block of Harding Boulevard. Officers made contact with Sawyers when they observed him getting into the vehicle, the release said.
Investigators found a loaded non-serialized “ghost” gun, methamphetamine packaged for sale, and “Polymer 80 kits” with assembly tools after executing a search warrant in Sawyers hotel room, police said.
“Citrus Heights Police appreciate a strong working partnership with the Roseville Police Department and our Citrus Heights community,” Lt. Herman said. “Together, we were able to bring resolution to these victims, prevent further victimization to our communities, and bring the responsible party to justice.”
Sawyers was booked on multiple charges including drug sales, illegal weapon violations, and robbery, according to police.
