Suspect Arrested Following Armed Robbery in Pasadena

Police quickly arrested a man they say robbed another man at gunpoint along Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena on Thursday.

Farris Tollette, described as a 53-year-old transient known to frequent Pasadena, was taken into custody shortly after the 5:10 a.m. robbery at Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue, according to Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Russo.

The victim, a 33-year-old Pasadena man, was walking in the area when a robber approached from behind and placed a gun against the back of his head, the lieutenant said. The gunman demanded money while threatening to kill the victim.

The victim turned over several hundred dollars and the robber sped off on a bicycle, Russo said.

Investigation officers realized the description provided by the victim appeared to describe a local transient who officers knew from previous encounters, police said. The victim was able to identify Tollette as the suspect based on a photo line-up.

Officers found and arrested Tollette without a struggle later in the day, Russo said. They recovered some of the allegedly stolen cash, as well as the bicycle that was believed to have been used in the crime, but no gun was found.

Information regarding Tollette’s bail amount and initial court date were not available Friday.