Robbers Caught Fleeing on Freeway

Placer County Sheriff’s deputies caught three armed robbers as they fled down Interstate 80 Thursday afternoon, shortly after the suspects entered an Auburn home and stole the residents’ medical marijuana, cash and other valuables. The victims, a man and wife, called sheriff’s dispatch at 3:07 p.m. to report that three men – one known to them – had entered their Dry Creek Road home and stolen marijuana and other items. The suspects, who brandished a gun throughout the robbery, told the couple to stay in a confined area of the home as they left. At 3:25 p.m., deputies spotted the trio driving westbound on Interstate 80 near Douglas Blvd. in Roseville. The car was stopped on the side of the freeway and the suspects were taken into custody without incident. Inside the car, deputies found a handgun that matched the description of the gun used during the robbery. Some property was also recovered. Arrested were Robin Oscar Tipton, 20, of Sacramento; David Eugene Thomas, 23, also of Sacramento; and Duane Edward Patton, 23, of Elk Grove. The three suspects were booked at the Placer County Jail on charges of robbery and false imprisonment. Bail was set at $100,000 for Patton. Tipton and Thomas are being held without bail on parole holds.