Arrest in San Rafael drug store armed robbery

SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (BCN/KTVU) - A 42-year-old San Rafael man who allegedly brandished a handgun at a drug store clerk in downtown San Rafael was arrested Saturday on several felony charges, including armed robbery and assault with a firearm.

Police were notified about 8:45 p.m. after the man pulled out a firearm after a credit card was declined during an attempted purchase at the store in the 800 block of Third Street. Officers, who happened to be nearby, arrived as Thomas Louis Pratt Jr. was leaving the store.

A search turned up a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver handgun and additional ammunition.

Police were told that after the credit card was declined, Pratt left the store, then returned and pointed and cocked the gun and demanded the merchandise from the clerk, who declined to help and then asked him to leave.

Platt allegedly put away the gun, but remained in the store and was stealing items while the clerk notified police and began evacuating customers and employees from the store.

Police in a news release said the clerk, who was uninjured, "is to be commended for remaining calm during the encounter and ensuring the safety of the evacuated customers and employees."

Surveillance video confirmed the clerk's account of the incident, police said.

Pratt was booked at Marin County Jail on charges of armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon/firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, possession of a stolen firearm, and felony violation of probation.

A check revealed the gun Pratt displayed had been stolen in the county jurisdiction of Novato and additional charges against him may be filed by the Marin County Sheriff's Office.

Anyone with information about this robbery case is asked to call San Rafael police at (415) 485-3000.