Fort Bragg Man Reportedly Robbed Willits Bank, Fled on Foot, and Later Admitted to Crime, Says WPD

On February 16^th, 2022 at about 2:40pm, Willits Police Department (WPD) Officers were dispatched to the Chase Bank (234 S Main St) for a reported robbery in progress. A description of the male suspect was broadcast and he was last seen fleeing the bank on foot. An undisclosed amount of money was taken. No weapon was observed, but the bank employee, in fear for their safety when the money was demanded, handed over cash from her drawer. 

Upon WPD Officers’ arrival at the bank, they heard a Mendocino County Sheriff’s  Office (MCSO) Deputy request immediate assistance about a block from the bank as he was out with a subject, later identified as Jonathan Sales. Sales matched the robbery suspect’s description. When the Deputy made contact with the suspect,  Sales assaulted the Deputy who deployed his Taser. Sales was subsequently handcuffed and detained. 

During the course of the investigation, bank employees positively identified Sales as the suspect. Video surveillance and additional eyewitnesses confirmed Sales was indeed the bank robbery suspect. The amount of money taken from the bank was located on salesperson. Sales, after being provided with a Miranda Advisement,  provided incriminating statements as well. 

Sales was medically cleared prior to being transported and booked in the county jail for violation of 211 PC (Robbery). 

The Willits Police Department would like to thank the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, the bank employees and the witnesses from the community for their valuable assistance in this case.