McKinleyville movie theater robbery suspect arrested after brief pursuit

MCKINLEYVILLE, CA. – An arrest is made following a robbery at a McKinleyville movie theatre.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies were led on a short chase Friday afternoon by the suspect accused of robbing Mill Creek Cinema.

It only took 13 minutes before 31-year-old Andrew John Schwartz was arrested.

A cinema employee told dispatchers that Schwartz gave him a note demanding money, claiming he had a firearm.

At about 1:15PM, deputies were alerted of the crime, and the suspect fled east on School Road with cash, entering Ray’s Food Place.

Deputies were able to locate Schwartz, with items from the store, but as they approached him, he took off again.

They followed from their patrol unit and Schwartz was quickly detained with help from California Highway Patrol at a nearby gas station.

Schwartz was not found to have a firearm, but was arrested on charges of robbery, shoplifting, obstructing a peace officer and violation of probation.

Anyone with more information should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office.