Armed robbery in Blue Lake leaves one person dead, another in police custody

BLUE LAKE, Calif. (KIEM) — We’re learning more information about an armed robbery in Blue Lake that left one person dead.

The incident occurred at around 9:45 Thursday night at the Patriot gas station on Blue Lake Boulevard. Humboldt County Sheriff’s deputies initially responded for a report of an armed robbery with shots fired. When they arrived, deputies found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest. Despite lifesaving efforts, the male succumbed to his injuries on scene.

According to HCSO, the robber approached an employee and customer standing outside of the business, brandishing a firearm with the attempt to rob the store. Police say that both the employee and customer fled the scene. At that point, the man entered the store and stole cash and other items. Investigators believe as the robber exited the business, the employee returned to the store, and reportedly shot the robber in the chest.

That employee is identified as 39-year-old Mark Anthony Nelson Jr. He is now facing murder charges. Now Nelson Jr. is a convicted felon, and police say that a stolen firearm believed to be associated with the homicide was recovered at the scene. However, police did not provide any more information about the robber’s weapon, nor do we know the identity of the robber. Nelson Jr. is also charged with possession of stolen property, and for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He is being held without bail pending arraignment.