The following is a press released issued by the Ukiah Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On January 19, 2021 at approximately 4:30 PM, UPD Dispatch received a report of a Robbery that just occurred at the Chase Bank, located at 700 S. State Street. Officers responded to the bank and began an investigation, while other Officers canvased the area for the suspect. Within minutes of arriving at the bank, Officers were provided with still photographs of the male suspect, from the bank’s surveillance system. A bank employee reported the male suspect approached her bank window and verbally advised her that this was a “Robbery” and to “Give me the money”. The suspect did not show a weapon, but the employee was placed in a state of fear, based on the suspect’s words. The suspect was given in excess of $3,000.00 and left the bank with the stolen money.
Officers reviewed the surveillance photos and recognized the male suspect, from numerous prior contacts, as Dean Stevens. Stevens was known to be on Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS) through the Mendocino County Probation Department. His photo was provided to a Probation Officer, who also confirmed the male in the photo appeared to be Stevens. Officers researched prior contacts with Stevens and were able to identify a vehicle that Stevens had been contacted in, within the prior week. A BOLO was broadcast to surrounding law enforcement agencies, advising that Stevens was wanted for the Robbery. This BOLO included the identifying information for the aforementioned vehicle, which was associated with Stevens.
On January 20, 2021 at approximately 0135 hours, an on-duty MCSO Sergeant contacted UPD and advised he located the vehicle in the parking lot of the Travel Lodge, located at 1720 N. State Street. On-duty UPD Officers arrived at that location, confirmed the vehicle matched the one associated with Stevens and also confirmed that Stevens was a registered guest at the motel. UPD Officers and the MCSO Sergeant contacted Stevens in the motel room. Per the terms of his PRCS, a search was conducted of the room and Stevens’ vehicle. The search resulted in locating a bag of cash, the same clothing as worn by the suspect at the time of the Robbery and other evidence that connected Stevens to the Robbery. Stevens was arrested, without incident, and was subsequently booked at the MCSO Jail for the above detailed Felony violations.
UPD would like to thank MCSO and the Probation Department for their assistance with this case and the apprehension of Stevens.