Woman Robbed After Running Out of Gas Along 134 Freeway in Pasadena

A woman who ran out of gas while driving along the 134 Freeway in Pasadena early Monday was then robbed by a man and woman who stopped and offered to help her, police said.

The crime took place about 3:40 a.m., Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said.

A 34-year-old Rowland Heights woman stopped her car along the westbound freeway at San Rafael Avenue after running out of fuel, the lieutenant said.

A car approached with a man at the wheel and a woman riding as a passenger, he said. They asked the victim if she needed help and offered to drive her to a gas station.

The car exited the freeway and headed east along the Colorado Street Bridge, Hettema said. The man and woman began conversing in Spanish, which the victim did not understand, and the car came to a stop in the middle of the bridge.

The couple ordered the victim out of the car, Hettema said. The man followed her out, grabbed her purse and demanded she release it. She complied and was not hurt.

The purse, itself, was valued at about $3,500, police said. A wallet, valued at about $500, was also taken, along with about $100 in cash.

Police said the car, described as an older-model, silver sedan, continued east on the bridge and out of sight.

The driver was described as a Latino man between 30 and 40 years old, about 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a bald head, Hettema said. His accomplice was described as a Latina woman of medium build, with long, curly, black hair.

Anyone with information can reach Pasadena police at 626-744-4241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.