Woman Brandishing Realistic AR-15 Replica Rifle Robs Lucky Boy Restaurant, Is Captured Within Minutes

A woman brandishing what appeared to be an AR-15-style rifle was arrested within minutes after she allegedly robbed the popular Lucky Boy restaurant in the 500 block of East Walnut Street in Pasadena about 7:50 p.m. Thursday.

Police said officers were at the scene within one minute of the incident after witnesses to the crime flagged down passing Pasadena police officers. Others simultaneously called 911.

Authorities said that as officers converged, the suspect ran northbound up North Oakland Avenue towards Corson Street. She hid in shrubbery in a residential area, police said.

As officers approached her location, she suddenly bolted and ran back towards Walnut Street. She was pursued and arrested, police said.

A rifle wrapped in cloth was discovered in the bushes where the woman was hiding, police said.

“The rifle appeared to be authentic” to the officers at the time, Lt. Mark Goodman said, but upon upon closer inspection later proved to be a “very real-looking” replica firearm.

The suspect was in possession of currency believed to have been taken during the restaurant robbery, police said. The loss was returned to the restaurant.

Pasadena Fire department paramedics were called to the scene to examine the woman when she complained of a medical issue. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment prior to booking.

Goodman said the suspect arrested is 23-year-old Pasadena resident Palace Williams.