South Pasadena police officers arrested an individual for assault with a deadly weapon after responding to a report of a possible robbery in progress in the 1400 block of Huntington Drive on May 2 at about 7:14 a.m.
In a statement, SPPD said that when officers arrived at the scene, they detained the suspect, identified as a 44-year-old man and unhoused resident who was found to be armed with a box cutter. It was determined that the suspect had allegedly entered a nearby grocery store and shoplifted several items. He then exited the store and abandoned the stolen products, SPPD said.
The man brandished the box cutter and advanced toward employees when they attempted to retrieve the items, police said.
The suspect was apprehended and arrested on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and shoplifting. He has since been booked and as of this week was being held at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail, awaiting arraignment as of May 8.
Anyone with more information about this incident is urged to call the SPPD at (626) 403-7265. For those who would like to provide an anonymous tip, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
First published in the May 10 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
