Second teen arrested for Olivehurst store robbery

A 17-year-old from Olivehurst was the gunman in Sunday's robbery at the Sierra Super Stop convenience store on Olivehurst Avenue, Yuba County Sheriff Steve Durfor said Thursday.

The teen, who was not identified because of his age, was arrested Wednesday after a detective recognized him in a surveillance tape of a beer theft four days earlier at the same store, said Durfor.

Detectives were able to search the boy's home because he is on probation and found clothing matching that worn by the gunman.

The boy denied being one of three robbers but admitted involvement in two previous thefts at the store over the past few months. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and robbery and booked into Bi-County Juvenile Hall.

Detectives are still investigating his possible ties to other recent robberies, Durfor said.

A 14-year-old Sacramento boy was arrested earlier on suspicion of being the getaway driver in Sunday's robbery.

Another suspect in the Nov. 26 "beer run," 18-year-old Joe Benningfield of Linda, was arrested Wednesday as he passed through the Yuba County Courthouse after an investigator recognized him from the same tape.

Benningfield admitted his involvement and was booked into the jail on suspicion of commercial burglary.

"Our investigators are actively pursuing leads in the hope that a few more of these arrests will curb the recent criminal activity surrounding the Sierra Super Stop," said Durfor.

Meanwhile, a private security firm, PM Protection of Olivehurst, this week began providing nightly protection for the Sierra Super Stop.

PM Protection owner and manager Paul Maxson said he and his employees will be stationed at the store until 3 a.m., at which time the front door will be locked. Patrons will have to knock, he said.

Patrons are being prohibited from wearing hoods in the store and so far have been cooperative, Maxson said.

Maxson said his desire to make Olivehurst a safer place to shop is a big reason his company is guarding the store. Sierra Super Stop owner Karnail Hira is being asked to pay just $400 a month for the service.

PM Protection is working closely with the Sheriff's Department, Maxson said. During a confrontation this week between security guards and troublemakers outside the store, deputies were called and arrived in less than a minute, he said.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Rob Young at 749-4710 or at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com.