Remembering “Ricky” Roberts

Sonora, CA – The Sonora Police Department will provide traffic assistance for the Sunday vigil for homicide victim Rick Roberts.

The vigil will begin at 7 p.m., outside his auto body shop at 280 Mono Way, were Roberts was found murdered last Sunday morning. Officers will be stopping traffic on Mono Way so those attending the vigil can cross the roadway.

Police Chief Mark Stinson says, “The main reason is for safety. There are sight limitations on Mono Way and traffic is normally pretty heavy at that particular time of Sunday.”
If you are attending the vigil, you are encouraged to car pool as parking will be limited in the area. SPD is expecting a large crowd as Roberts was a well-known figure in the community, having volunteered with the Police Department, his church and was active in the local demolition derby scene at the fairgrounds.

Chief Stinson remembers Roberts as a “good guy”. “The best story that I can tell about him was about two months ago. He found out a fuel pump had gone out on somebodies truck and the person didn’t have money to fix it. Ricky took money out of his own pocket, bought the fuel pump, and installed it for the person. He told him to pay him back whenever he got the money,” says Stinson.

The SPD cautions motorists that traffic will be congested in the area. They warn if you are not attending the vigil to take an alternate route between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. In addition, parked vehicles creating a hazard will be cited and/or towed.