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Sacramento County Suspect Says Armed Robbery Allegations Are Overblown

SACRAMENTO COUNTY (CBS13) — Half of a Sacramento County couple accused of breaking into a friend's home is speaking from behind bars to CBS13.

Artoris Ricks says what investigators are calling a violent robbery involving a gun and a knife was just a big misunderstanding.

The father of five says he and his wife, Altaya Ricks, didn't break into someone's home on Monday night, armed with weapons and looking for cash.

"We didn't have a weapon on us," he said.

But Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies paint a different picture, saying the couple was trying to settle a $140 debt with an old friend at an apartment complex on College Oak Drive.

"One with a switchblade, the other with a firearm, and they demanded money," said Sgt. Lisa Bowman.

The couple allegedly kicked in the front door and threatened people inside as neighbors looked on.

Ricks claims the encounter was much more cordial, and that her was merely asking about the debt.

"I knocked on the door and said, 'Hey man, are you ready to pay?'" Ricks said.

The couple was arrested after being identified by neighbors and could face robbery charges. Their children are with neighbors now.

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