UKIAH, CA., 4/20/26 — Deputies in Mendocino County arrested a man suspected of robbing a gas station in Ukiah, the Sheriff’s Office said Monday.
On Sunday at about 1:30 p.m., deputies were sent to the Chevron gas station in the 1400 block of Lover’s Lane in Ukiah on a report of a theft.
A 37-year-old employee of the gas station said a man entered the store and got into a verbal argument with him, threatening to shoot the employee.
The suspect kept his hand near his waistline to make it look like he was armed, the Sheriff’s Office said, while he took items from the store.
Investigators reviewed in-store surveillance footage and identified the alleged suspect as Ukiah resident Joseph Mendoza, 37, whom they recognized from prior law enforcement contacts, the Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies also determined Mendoza was on active probation with terms requiring him to obey all laws.
Deputies went to Mendoza’s residence in the 1600 block of Lovers Lane but were unable to locate him.
At approximately 4:40 p.m., deputies returned to Mendoza’s residence and he was detained. Mendoza allegedly provided a statement that corroborated information previously provided by the store employee.
Mendoza consented to a search of his residence, during which many of the stolen items were allegedly recovered.
Mendoza was placed under arrest on suspicion of robbery, second-degree burglary, and violating his probation.