Parolee arrested for armed robbery

Joseph Kauth, 22, of Sonoma was arrested Tuesday for allegedly robbing a woman at gunpoint in a shopping center parking lot.

The victim told police that Kauth, an acquaintance of hers, had picked her up at the Sonoma Market Shopping Center at about 5 p.m. Once she was in the car, the suspect removed a handgun from under the dashboard, pointed it at her, and demanded her money. Fearing for her life, the victim provided him $1,200 in cash. The suspect then threatened to kill her if she told anyone, then dropped her off nearby, according to Sonoma Police Chief Bret Sackett.

The victim reported the incident to the police. The suspect was located driving near Fifth Street West and Andrieux and subsequently arrested. A search of the vehicle produced a loaded .22 caliber handgun and a large quantity of cash.

Kauth was booked into the Sonoma County jail for robbery, threats, being an ex-felon in possession of a handgun, possession of a loaded gun in a vehicle, and a parole hold.
He was also charged with possession of controlled substance and bringing drugs into a detention facility.