Five Arrested Following Dispensary Robbery and High-Speed Chases in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa police arrested five suspects on Thursday evening after they allegedly robbed a marijuana dispensary and subsequently led officers on high-speed chases. The incident began around 8 p.m. when a 911 call was made from a dispensary located on Empire Industrial Court, reporting a robbery in progress. Quick action by the dispensary employee provided police with crucial vehicle descriptions, enabling them to set up surveillance along Highway 101. As officers monitored the area, one patrol officer spotted a vehicle matching the description and attempted a traffic stop. However, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a high-speed pursuit. Simultaneously, another officer identified a second suspect vehicle, which also failed to stop, prompting another chase. The sheriff's helicopter joined the effort to track the fleeing suspects. The pursuit culminated when one of the vehicles exited onto Highway 116 in Cotati, where it struck a curb, rendering it inoperable. Three occupants fled on foot into a nearby neighborhood, while another vehicle was stopped on Highway 101 with three suspects still inside. A confrontation ensued between one of the passengers and an officer, resulting in a physical altercation. Ultimately, all suspects were apprehended, and police continue to investigate the robbery incident.