43-year-old man arrested following investigation into multiple deli robberies

Eugene, OR – The Eugene Police Department announced the arrest of a suspect connected to multiple armed robberies at a local deli following a weeks-long investigation.

Officers initially responded around 8:50 a.m. on March 15 to an armed robbery at Sandy’s Deli on Barger Drive. Police said a male suspect used a firearm to steal cash before fleeing the area. A search involving patrol officers and K9 units, including assistance from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, did not immediately locate the suspect.

Detectives later identified the suspect as 43-year-old Eugene resident Solomon Everisto Lehi and linked him to a second robbery at the same business in December 2025.

Investigators, along with the department’s SWAT team, developed a plan to take Lehi into custody. On April 9 at approximately 11:15 p.m., officers moved in as he left his workplace on West 11th Avenue. Police said Lehi attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended without further incident.

Authorities also executed a search warrant at a residence on the 700 block of Maxwell Road, where Lehi had been staying. During the search, officers recovered two firearms.

Lehi was transported to the Lane County Jail and booked on two counts of robbery in the first degree and one count of aggravated theft in the first degree.