RICHMOND, VA - In the early morning hours of June 11th, the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force in Richmond arrested a woman who is wanted for murder and numerous robberies in Sonoma County, California. Amber Hembree, nicknamed ‘Skittles’, was one of five alledged Crips gang members who robbed then shot and killed their victim in Santa Rosa, California. Hembree then fled the state of California to avoid arrest.

After an extensive investigation by the Sonoma County Police Department along with the Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, the agencies developed information that Hembree was likely hiding out back in Virginia. A request was sent to the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force in Richmond requesting help in locating Hembree.

After months of investigation, task force members developed information that Hembree was likely hiding out at a home in the 12000 block of Chestertowne Road. At approximately 9:00 a.m. task force members converged on that residence and apprehended Hembree who was found hiding in the attic.

“The apprehension of this fugitive is a direct result of the perseverance of our investigators and the interagency cooperation that exists between our fugitive task forces,” said U.S. Marshal Robert Mathieson.

The USMS Regional Fugitive Task Force in Richmond consists of investigators from the U.S. Marshals Service, Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Corrections, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Chesterfield and Dinwiddee County Sheriff’s Office and the Richmond, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights and Hopewell Police Departments.