Man Arrested For Armed Robbery At San Rafael Drug Store

SAN RAFAEL, CA – A man was arrested over the weekend for armed robbery at a downtown San Rafael drug store.

Police were notified about 8:45 p.m. Saturday after the man, 42-year-old San Rafael resident Thomas Louis Pratt, Jr., allegedly brandished a handgun at the store in the 800 block of Third Street. Pratt pulled out a gun after a credit card was declined during an attempted purchase, police said.

Police, who happened to be nearby, arrived as Pratt was leaving the store. Officers searched Pratt and found a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver handgun and additional ammunition.

Police were told that after the credit card was declined, Pratt left the store, then returned, pointed and cocked the gun and demanded the merchandise from the clerk. The clerk declined to help and asked him to leave.

"While in fear for his life, the clerk told Pratt he could not help him and asked that he leave," police said in a news release. "Pratt placed the gun back in his pocket and briefly walked around the store while stealing items. During that time, the clerk was able to call the police and began evacuating customers and employees from the store."

The clerk, who was uninjured, "is to be commended for remaining calm during the encounter and ensuring the safety of the evacuated customers and employees," police said.

Surveillance video confirmed the clerk's account of the incident, police said. A background investigation revealed the gun had been stolen in the county jurisdiction of Novato.

Pratt was booked into Marin County Jail on charges of armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a stolen firearm, and felony violation of probation. The Marin County Sheriff's Office may file additional charges against him.

Anyone with information about the case was asked to call San Rafael police at 415-485-3000. Tips can also be submitted at www.srpd.org/tips.