Citrus Heights PD make arrest after employee held at knife-point during robbery

Sentinel staff report–
Citrus Heights police on Thursday announced the arrest of a 43-year-old man on charges of armed robbery, attempted kidnapping, and false imprisonment.

The suspect, identified as Paul Gasser, was apprehended in Folsom following an investigation into an alarming event that occurred on Jan. 16, police said in a Feb. 2 social media update. Police said the initial incident involved a distress call being made by a female employee around 3:30 p.m. who had been threatened at knife-point within a business on the 6000 block of Sunrise Boulevard.

The suspect allegedly held a knife to the employee’s throat and attempted to kidnap her, as well as demanding cash before fleeing the premises.

The immediate search effort, involving several officers and a K9 unit, was unsuccessful. However, police said efforts from the department’s Investigation and Impact Units led to Gasser’s identification and subsequent arrest.

Sacramento County Jail inmate records show Gasser is still in custody as of Feb. 3, and is ineligible for bail.