An early morning heist targeting tobacco products has led to the arrest of eight suspects in a string of armed robberies throughout the Bay Area. The Oakland Police Department, working in tandem with federal agencies, made the arrests after connecting the individuals to a recent robbery and several similar incidents.

According to a Facebook post by the Oakland Police Department, the series of thefts came to a head on April 16 when armed suspects accosted a delivery truck driver at around 6:45 a.m. on the 7900 block of Mountain Boulevard. Using two vehicles, the culprits absconded with the tobacco merchandise before the authorities arrived on the scene.

Investigators from the OPD's Ceasefire Division wasted no time in linking the suspects to a spate of tobacco-related robberies. This initiative was bolstered by cooperation from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force (USMS TF). The coordinated efforts culminated in the raid of a residence in Oakland, where the suspects were apprehended, and the stolen goods, along with two firearms, were seized.

The swift response of law enforcement highlights a prevailing issue of targeted thefts in the region, posing risks not only to businesses but also to those in the immediate vicinity during such confrontations. OPD urges the public to come forth with any information that may lead to further insights into these robberies. If you are a victim or have knowledge regarding any of these crimes, you're encouraged to contact the OPD’s Robbery Unit at 510-238-3326.