An armed robbery near the entrance of Alvarado Park in East Richmond Heights on Wednesday night triggered a large police response, including a helicopter and a K-9 unit, but the search was later called off after the suspect fled.

The robbery occurred shortly after 9 p.m. in the playground area of the park. According to police radio traffic, the suspect, described as a male adult, approximately 6 feet tall and 180 pounds, wearing a black hoodie, fled north of the playground and into the park.

A Richmond police dog was deployed, and the East Bay Regional Park Police established a perimeter. A helicopter was also dispatched to assist with the search. Despite these efforts, officers were unable to locate the suspect, and the search was called off shortly before 10:30 p.m., according to police radio traffic.

The victim, who was not injured, remained on scene and spoke with officers.

Residents took to the social media platform Nextdoor during and after the incident to share real-time observations, reporting police cars speeding along Arlington Boulevard, a helicopter circling the area, and a visibly distraught woman speaking with officers at the park entrance.

“I just got home. We can see the cops at Wildcat, and a lady is distraught. Hope she is okay,” wrote Jenny Chang, who lives nearby.

The East Bay Regional Park District has not yet released an official statement.

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