“Vigilantes” Protect Robbed Woman

Police officers arrested a 38-year-old homeless man in the area of Foothill and Rosemead Blvds. In Pasadena Tuesday afternoon, after he fled from a small group of men who had surrounded him after he allegedly tried to rob a woman.

The 29-year-old woman, from Pico Rivera, was sitting on a bus bench at about 1:15 p.m. when the suspect walked up to her and allegredly started sexually battering her.

“He touched some part of her body, and then grabbed her purse with intent to rob,” Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said. “At that time, a bunch of vigilantes came and surrounded the suspect. He dropped the purse and took off.”

Hettema said officers arrived on scene and found the suspect in the area.

“He was arrested for robbery and they’ll attach the sexual battery to the complaint,” Hettema added.

The suspect was identified as James Hatcher, 38, listed as homeless.

Hettema said the woman recovered her purse with the contents intact. She wasn’t hurt physically, he said.