Man Arrested For Robbing, Pistol-Whipping 77-Year-Old Victim

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - A 25-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after he robbed and pistol-whipped a 77-year-old man with a replica firearm, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department.

Ryan Helmecy, 25, was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on charges of robbery, committing a crime against the elderly, altering an imitation firearm and a violation of probation. He is being held on $70,000 bail.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the 4900 block of Little Oak Lane at 9:30 a.m. regarding a 77- year-old male victim who had been robbed and pistol-whipped. Information developed by deputies revealed that the suspect had pointed a firearm at the victim, demanded cash and other items and struck the man in the head before fleeing on a bicycle.

Deputies in the area spotted Helmecy in the 5000 block of Walnut Avenue. Upon seeing the deputies, Helmecy attempted to discard what turned out to be a replica firearm that had been painted to appear more real, Deputy Jason Ramos said.

After detaining Helmecy, deputies located property nearby that belonged to the victim. Helmecy was later positively identified as the suspect in this case.

The victim was treated for minor injuries at the scene.