Police Report Two Robberies Wednesday

Pasadena police officers are searching for an undetermined number of suspects who forcibly took a man’s cellphone and keys as he was walking on the sidewalk in the 1000 block of North Garfield Avenue Wednesday night, and another one who attempted to rob a man inside a fast food restaurant.

Lt. Pete Hettema said the suspects in the first incident approached the man from behind and knocked him down on the sidewalk at about 8 p.m.

“One of the suspects proceeded to punch the victim while he was face down on the sidewalk,” Hettema said. “They took the victim’s cellphone and keys and then fled northbound on Garfield Avenue past Adena street, where they entered a medium sized SUV that was last seen driving northbound on Garfield Avenue from Adena street.”

When asked whether the suspects could be the same group who had victimized at least six other people in four armed robberies in Pasadena over the past two weeks, Hettema said the suspects in this case were Hispanic-looking, as opposed to those in the previous incidents who were African-American males. They also used a smaller-sized SUV based on the victim’s description.

Hettema said officers searched the area but did not find the suspects or their vehicle. He said the victim did not exhibit any injuries and declined medical attention.

In another robbery incident Wednesday, a 57-year-old Los Angeles man reported he was approached by a 50- to 60-year-old man demanded money as he was seated inside a fast food restaurant in the 700 block of Lake Avenue at about 1:34 p.m.

When he refused, the suspect threatened to punch him, so he took out a personal Taser device and tased the suspect in self-defense.

“After being tased, the suspect exited the restaurant and was last seen entering a light-colored sedan and taking off,” Hettema said.

Asked whether it would be advisable for people to use a Taser device if they have them, Hettema said there would be instances, though rare, when using the device could be appropriate.

“At the point where you’re actually feeling threatened like you’re being robbed or being attacked, it may be appropriate that there is a legal use for these things,” Hettema. “This simply sounds like self-defense; it sounds like this would be an example that it would be legitimate.”

The Pasadena Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspects in these two incidents. Anyone with information about them is advised to call (626) 744-4501.