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A 13-year-old allegedly robbed the Lodi Market, 316 E. Lodi Ave., on Tuesday then hid in an East Walnut Street garage. The boy then ran from police to the roof of an apartment complex in the 600 block of East Pine Street. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

From a rooftop to juvenile hall

13-year-old robbery suspect flashes gang signs at Lodi officers before he's arrested

By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 7:02 AM PDT

Comments (35 comment(s))

A 13-year-old Lodi boy was arrested Tuesday in connection with an armed robbery, after which he climbed to a rooftop and flashed gang signs at officers.

During the 50-minute ruckus, Heritage School was locked down, several other young men ran from officers and plenty of people visiting the DMV office found themselves watching the end of the excitement.

Nobody was injured, and police are still looking for a second suspect, as well as the guns used.

The commotion started minutes after noon, when a citizen called police after seeing two males cover their faces before entering Lodi Market, 316 E. Lodi Ave. The suspects pointed handguns at the female clerk and demanded cash, which she gave them, said Lodi Police Officer Hettie Schaeffer.

The suspects ran from the store before officers arrived, and Sgt. Bill Alexander saw two males running north near Garfield and Walnut streets. Both wore black hooded sweatshirts, as the witness had described, and more officers arrived to begin searching yards.

But in the meantime, officers also saw teen boys in black hooded sweatshirts south of the store, near Eden and Garfield streets. Those males, later determined to be ages 15 and 16, also ran from police, who caught them at 12:25 p.m.

Officers stopped searching near Walnut Street, so when a woman arrived home, police told her everything was fine. She went to close her back gate, checking her garage bathroom in the process, and came face-to-face with the suspect. She slammed the door and ran to her house, while the suspect fled.


A 13-year-old allegedly robbed the Lodi Market, 316 E. Lodi Ave., on Tuesday. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

The woman, who didn't want her name used out of fear for her safety, called police and told them which way the suspect ran. Hours later, she was still shaken, wondering what would have happened to her if the suspect had been bigger, especially since police later found a small knife the teen left in the woman's bathroom.

Officers once again gave chase, with Motor Sgt. Chris Jacobson catching up to the suspect on Pine Street, on the other side of busy Cherokee Lane.

The suspect ran into an apartment complex, then onto a roof in the 600 block of East Pine Street, where officers soon gathered.

The young man flashed gang signs at officers before he agreed to surrender to police. He then gave them various names and ages, Schaeffer said, so police had to take his fingerprints to learn his identity. He was ultimately determined to be 13, and he was also taken to juvenile hall.


A 13-year-old allegedly robbed the Lodi Market, 316 E. Lodi Ave., on Tuesday. The boy then ran from police to the roof of an apartment complex in the 600 block of East Pine Street. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Police seeking information

Anyone with information may call police at (209) 333-6727. Anonymous callers may contact Lodi-Area Crimestoppers at (209) 333-6771 or (209) 369-2746.

He was later identified as a suspect in the store robbery, Schaeffer said.

The other teens detained on Eden Street were not identified as being involved in the robbery, but two had run from police and were already on probation for other offenses. They were arrested on suspicion of resisting police.

Heritage School was locked down as a precaution in case any armed suspects ran onto school grounds, Schaeffer said. No threats were made against the school, and the suspects did not enter the campus.

Police are still searching for a second robbery suspect, whom Schaeffer said was a Hispanic male, likely between 16 and 18 years old, wearing a black sweatshirt and gray sweat pants.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback

Lodiguy85 wrote on Mar 16, 2009 1:52 PM:

" I agree with all who say LPD needs to crack down on gangs in Lodi! Not only on the east side, but the west side as well. I'm fed up with waking up in the morning and seeing "SCL...13" spray painted on my garage!!! It's ridiculous, I called LPD and asked what to do if I catch them in the act....their response "call us (LDP)". LDP takes too long to respond and I was told apprehending them is ill advised. It is getting worse as I have seen 6-7 year olds from Heritage come by and write XIV in CRAYON while their mothers are walking behind them. What happened to the ol'days when people respected eachothers' property and helped the community flourish? "

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Lodian wrote on Mar 13, 2009 2:09 PM:

" Even the "experts" are behind in this area. I went to a gang information and education meeting and the "expert" was surprised and unaware when I told him about the MS13 gang/signs in this area. Geez, I'm a parent and he's the "expert"? Scary. "

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jbhiker wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:23 PM:

" Stop your Bawling! These types of kids are lost and they will never return. Termination is the only way to save an honest citizen from torture and death at the hands of this punk someday. He will be back and we should have put him out of our misery today. I hope he comes to see me. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:48 PM:

" edumacation this ONCE I agree with you 100%! "

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dogs4you wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:45 PM:

" Lots of posts say lock him up, for how long, the rest of his life? In prison his gets to hone his skills from all the older loosers and slackers and can become a full fledged banger when he gets out. It`s a problem with no solution, and no one seems to have a work able answer. The only hope is that the LPD can keep the lid on, and keep this problem from escalation. "

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dogs4you wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:39 PM:

" Lots of long posts, here`s a short one. A want-a-be gang banger i.e another lost cause. "

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dot dot dot wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:35 PM:

" purelyprecious:I do believe that society is allowing the "hen to run the hen house" or however the saying goes I still believe that in a lot of gang environments the parents are most likley not involved. If they don't speak English or involve themselves in mainstream society how are they supposed to learn the morrays and nuances of their new country? The kids are pulling the wool over their eyes, making this sort of lifestyle acceptable and inevitable. The parents may see the power and money as an accomplishment or more sadly see powerlessness (which is not true!) and turn a blind eye.
On another note: If I was in the 50's I would be looked as leinant, but in this day and age I am a hardas* by today's standards...setting limits and taking away priveledes(not rights as most kids seem to think they have) if they misbehave. Oh yeah and I don't use electronics as a babysitter or get pressured into "But Johnny has that, Johnny can do that." And AMAZINGLY my kids love me and still want to hang out with the family!!! Imagine that! Parent first... mentor second and possibly friend third. Parents TUNEIN "

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shockedinlodi wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:45 PM:

" purelyprecious - His parents had to see him leave the house looking like a little gang banger. I don't know what it is up the rubber bands around the ankles, but smaller pants might work better. He is 13 years old and not in school and you think the parents are not to blame. It is 100% the parents fault and they should be ashamed if they can put the meth pipe down long enough to understand anything. Children who are in gangs don't come from loving parents, that is why they are in a gang. If this was my child CPS could not stop me from teaching him a thing or two. Let CPS come get me to go to jail now better than my son in 5 years. Need to know who and where your children are at all times. I would bet every penny I have that he does not have a caring Mom and Dad at home. "

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edumacation wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:20 PM:

" Just last week a heroic LPD detective put a bullet in the brain of another criminal who started out the exact same way, with a robbery conviction at twelve. This kid needs to be stopped now before he kills. He brought a knife and used it in the robbery with intent to use it on an unarmed woman. LOCK HIM UP. "

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purelyprecious wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:16 PM:

" It seems like everyone is pointing their fingers at the parents, but has anybody even considered, maybe its not even the parents fault. With children being taught that they have rights to call 9-1-1 on their parents for spanking them and for 13 year olds, time out/grounding just doesn't work. In todays society, CPS is taken advantage of and it seems like CPS listens to the children more than the parents. I agree with military school, but who says it'll work. "

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edumacation wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:12 PM:

" Well---Isn't that special? A little baby acting the way mommy and daddy taught him. Lets treat him like an adult and prosecute the parents for stupidity. I speculate that there may be more criminal activity in that little homies environment! Lets start with fingerprinting and photos of the extended family. I bet the ICE team would find a reason to arrest and deport a few of them If not, lest use the state criminal syndicalism act to pick up every single member including family adult and "children" of this dysfunctional hoodie enclave.

If homeboy can read, I hope he reads this with an adult cellie in state prison. I'll send him some lipstick, he might need it where he is going?

Another baby homie idiot. Lock him up for ten years. "

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kelmat wrote on Mar 11, 2009 5:43 PM:

" maybe if they didnt dress like every other idiot. you might want to change up your woredrobe "

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shockedinlodi wrote on Mar 11, 2009 2:58 PM:

" I must also say good for the citizen who say these dirt bags going into the store with masks. Good for you for paying attention and getting involved. I also wonder why a 13 year old boy is not in school. I believe they should put drop outs to work and have them do the same type of jobs that you would do in prison. Might as well give them tools they will probably use someday. "

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shockedinlodi wrote on Mar 11, 2009 2:54 PM:

" FormerLodiResident - It is very common for your house to be burglarized over and over. My house was also burglarized but the police officer told me it would happen again. The reason behind this is because they know you have insurance and will replace everything that was taken. They can then have new things to take and not old outdated items. They actually love to hit the same house over and over. The LPD should have told you to put an alarm system in your house and to have your neighbors watch your house if you were not home. The same usually rings true if it is your car is broken into. They know you will replace the items and they will be worth more. "

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RaiderHater wrote on Mar 11, 2009 2:53 PM:

" Just a perfect representation, of what East Lodi has become. "

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warvet wrote on Mar 11, 2009 2:26 PM:

" Thank you shockedinlodi I'm going to watch that KCRA segment. I hope you're right and he is just a wannabe. "

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CAJEWELS wrote on Mar 11, 2009 1:07 PM:

" dot dot dot, I couldn't agree with you more! If more parents were interested and took part in their kids lives we wouldn't have so many young gang members. I'm not for corrupt punishment but I do believe in spanking, grounding kids and taking away other privleges that kids have to teach them whats right and wrong. All I can say is that 13 year old is lucky hes not my kid! I raised 3 kids and none of them got involved with drugs, alcohol or gangs. I raised them in a home where I listened to them but I had the final word. We need to do something to stop this nonsense now!! "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2009 12:48 PM:

" Gang Banging teens under 17 KNOW that Juvenile Detention only "Allows them to NETWORK" one on one with teens that are also in trouble and creates the perfect place "To RECRUIT" more gang members! Sales of drugs and stolen property and auto theft are wayyy too tempting for most teens to be content with a monthly "Allowance"! I completely agree that parents or rather just a momma with a brood full of little ones "Has no energy or will" to battle her teen's behavior! He probably brings in money for the family! For those who illegally entered from Mexico, Gangs are a way of life there, so she sees nothing wrong here in Lodi! I had a bus driver tell me that he knows of a man who has lived in Lodi for 20 years and still doesn't know how to read, write or speak english! And I'm supposed to believe he is a U.S. Citizen! By the time they are a Teen, they are set in their ways! Our Calif prisons are full of "Repeat offender Gang bangers!" They do not fear incarceration! "

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Inquisitor wrote on Mar 11, 2009 12:18 PM:

" This kid does not have parents. Biological creators, yes. But not parents. "

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shockedinlodi wrote on Mar 11, 2009 11:48 AM:

" The MS-13 gang, aka Mara Salvatrucha 13, is one of the most violently dangerous gangs in the United States. The MS-13 gang started in El Salvador. Gang members, who sport numerous tattoos (sometimes MS on one side of their nose and 13 on the other) on their bodies and faces, wear blue and white colors taken from the El Salvadoran flag. In order to join MS-13 you must first commit a violent act against someone else - either a beating, a rape, or a murder. They don't do the old fashion "Jump in".
KCRA just did a news story on this gang last night. I will put the link at the bottom. They are moving to rural communities because of more jobs. Hopefully this story has nothing to with the MS-13 and he is just a want to be.
http://www.kcra.com/news/18902761/detail.html "

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dot dot dot wrote on Mar 11, 2009 11:02 AM:

" I know I will make some of you mad but:
Another thing, should a portion of gang involvement by latino males and females be raised by parents with little or no english speaking abilities (ie illegals/immigrants) that are unable, unwilling or uncomfortable getting involved with their child's activities outside the neighborhood like school and sports and etc - mainly English speaking roles - be tolerated or even excused? I know I am out of the house 10 hours a day, but still manage to be involved with my kids schooling, sports, community and social endeavors. PARENTING TAKES WORK and I still have fires to put out... most of their mothers are at home! Do you think there MIGHT be a link to not being able to communicate in society resulting in an adverse affect on your child rearing? "

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dot dot dot wrote on Mar 11, 2009 10:47 AM:

" Sad. I always tell my kids most children are not born bad, just circumstances of their environment (ie bad parenting and no supervision to name a few ). Where the hel* were the parents in this situation? When does it become the child's sole responsibility/fault. Is there any hope? What happens should he get 'reprogrammed' by military school only to be thrown back into his (I'm assuming here) inattentive family life and gang infiltrated environment? One doesn't normally just stumble upon a gang because you are well adjusted and have a lot of parent/ family involvement... they recruit openly. "

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warvet wrote on Mar 11, 2009 10:46 AM:

" What scares me, is that the other boys and the guns they had are still out there. I agree with Steve, MS-13 is the most violent gang out there, and they are beginning to blend in to our communities by moving to quiet neighborhoods. They are getting jobs and showing no signs of gang affiliation, so when they commit these crimes or have 13 year old boys commit them, they most likely will not be suspected of anything. Read up on this gang, look for their tagging. They are all over Southern Ca. and now infesting Northern Ca. "

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gail1 wrote on Mar 11, 2009 10:21 AM:

" to bad the little punk didn't fall of the roof "

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FormerLodiResident wrote on Mar 11, 2009 9:24 AM:

" I don't find it shocking but the norm. When my house was burglarized 2 years ago, it happened 4 times in a 2 month period. Then my son found out that this latino boy in the same school was trying to sell the stolen items. I tried to tell the LPD but they ignored me. So I MOVED. They Need to close the border and round up all the illegals and send them back. And if they have kids born in the US, send them back also and denounce their citizenship. "

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Mad Dog wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:44 AM:

" I am going to start selling bumper stickers that say: "My child is inmate of the month at Pelican Bay State Prison". "

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Journey wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:22 AM:

" Undoubtedly a child of chaos -- preparing to spend his life causing chaos for the rest of society. But we still have to hope that he's young enough to turn around. Perhaps we need a pre-military intervention program? Give the Marines a chance to adjust his attitude for the next 5 years. "

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T & C wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:13 AM:

" to him it is a WIN-WIN situation! He Builds a rep in the "Hood" and he will do very little time! "As he thinks, Just a walk in the park"...and he is so right about Juvie!" 5 YEARS in lock up would send a good message but you and I know it will never happen! His friends who got away as they ran laughing will commit crimes against you or me in the future! Lock them up and throw away the key or Deport them! "

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concerned parent wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:10 AM:

" Why isn't he in school and where are his parents? Only 13, are you kidding me? This makes me ill! Kids are who they are because of parents these days! They allow them too much alone time with friends, internet, and not being involved with what their kids are doing. Get more involved, find out who really are their friends. I have an almost 13 year old daughter and I am homeschooling her now. This is why! Kids at this age are out of control! Sickning..... "

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stucknlodi wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:08 AM:

" Lodi has a gang problem, I did not know.
Geez I learn something new everyday. HAHA "

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steve wrote on Mar 11, 2009 8:02 AM:

" You think this is bad, it is just the tip of the iceburg. If you get a chance read up on the MS-13 gang and how it has started to infiltrate American cities. This gang is the most violent group out there and wantabes like this 13 year old punk are the new blood the gang needs. "

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warrenb1973 wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:51 AM:

" Armed robbery at 13?, yes i would say our little gang problem is out of control.LPD should put the smack down on these punks, and shut them down. The influence on our kids from these wanna be gangsters,is ruining the future of these kids. Very sad!!!!!time for a gang sweep LPD!!! "

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t jefferson wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:12 AM:

" They're here just to do the jobs Americans won't do. "

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SSG Jeremy wrote on Mar 11, 2009 7:04 AM:

" So young, and already mixed up in this stupidity. Its sad really.....just sad. "

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midtowner wrote on Mar 11, 2009 6:51 AM:

" This young man has a promising future. His parents should also be charged. Idiots like this are what contributes to the downfall of our society. "

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Comments on this story are now closed.

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