Man Arrested for Alleged Armed Robbery, Attempted Murder at Ukiah Motel
UKIAH, CA — A Mendocino County man has been arrested in connection with an alleged armed robbery and attempted murder at a motel in Ukiah, according to authorities.
According to a press release by the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Motel 6 on North State Street on the night of September 9 to investigate a report of a male individual attempting to “forcibly take” a female individual. Responding deputies discovered the door to one of the rooms open with a clear view inside, but found nobody.
As deputies searched the area, other witnesses reported a possible robbery had taken place. A witness allegedly stated he had heard a man screaming as he ran toward the back of the motel, falling as though had been shot, then getting up and running again.
Witnesses also reported hearing gunshots from the room deputies had investigated, the sheriff’s office said.
On September 10, a man called law enforcement to report that he’d been robbed at the Motel 6, confirming that an assault had occurred the previous night. The individual also stated that his friend had been shot during the robbery.
On September 11, detectives processing the motel room for evidence located a suspected bullet hole in the wall, along with possible blood on the trim of the bathroom door, on the toilet, and on the wall below the open bathroom window.
In the early morning hours of September 13, deputies learned that the second robbery victim had been admitted to the emergency room in Willits. This victim had sustained a gunshot wound to his hand days earlier and also provided a statement, authorities said.
Investigators soon discovered that a female individual had also been involved. This woman was reportedly located and interviewed, but the sheriff’s office did not identify her by name or indicate whether she was considered a suspect.
Ultimately, detectives identified a person of interest in the robbery and shooting as Michael France, 36.
Authorities learned that France was scheduled to appear at the Lake County Superior Court and had an active warrant for his arrest, unrelated to the robbery. Due to France’s history of violent offenses and potential flight risk, authorities coordinated with Lake County District Attorney Investigators to take France into custody at the courthouse.
On September 16, France was taken into custody without incident. Authorities also seized his BMW motorcycle, which they allege had been used during the September 9 robbery and had been involved in a high-speed pursuit minutes afterward.
Authorities reportedly also confiscated evidence related to the robbery that was found stored in the motorcycle, the sheriff’s office said.
France was booked at the Mendocino County Jail on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, assault with a firearm, using a firearm causing great bodily injury, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. His bail was set at $780,000.
