Serial robbery suspect nabbed in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara police nabbed a wanted robbery suspect reportedly as he ate at the Denny’s restaurant in Santa Barbara.

Police converged at the restaurant in the 3600 block of State Street at about 10:50 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30. They took 21-year-old Eric Giovanni Arevalo into custody.

Authorities say Arevalo is suspected of committing numerous convenience store robberies and attempted robberies across the region in the last year.

The robbery suspect always masked his face and hands with clothing and alluded to carrying a weapon as he demanded cash, the Santa Barbara Police Department said.

Several law enforcement agencies are working together in this investigation.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Santa Barbara Police Detective Megan Harrison at 805-897-2343 or email mharrison@sbpd.com. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the SBPD at 805-897-2386.