Teen Arrested Following Alleged Road Rage Robbery Attempt, Hit-and-Run in Pasadena

Police arrested a 17-year-old boy Friday after he allegedly tried, but failed, to rob another man during an incident of road rage in Pasadena, then crashed his car and fled the scene on a skateboard hours later, authorities said.

The unusual string of events began about 9:25 a.m. in the parking lot of a strip mall in the 700 block of South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena police Lt. Anthony Burgess said.

A 41-year-old Valley Glen man reported that he had just pulled into the parking lot and was exiting his car when a young man approached him on foot and accused the victim of cutting him off in traffic minutes earlier, the lieutenant said.

The suspect proceeded to pull a handgun from his waistband and demanded the victim hand over all his money, Burgess said.

The victim stated that he ignored the gunman’s demand and walked away, according to Burgess. The would-be robber was last seen driving away south along Arroyo Parkway in a red Honda sedan.

Officers searched the area but did not find the suspect or vehicle, he said.

But police received another call about 2:45 p.m. reporting a hit-and-run collision at Hill Avenue and Mountain Street that involved the same red Honda.

The driver had been involved in a non-injury collision and was taken into custody while trying to leave the area on a skateboard, Burgess said.

The victim of the original robbery attempt identified the hit-and-run suspect as the same person who had tried to rob him earlier in the day, the lieutenant said.

The suspect, a 17-year-old boy whose name was not disclosed due to his age, was booked on suspicion of attempted robbery and hit-and-run, Burgess said. No firearm was found.

The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.