Suspects sought in alleged assault and attempted robbery

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects wanted for assault and attempted robbery committed against a minor on April 15 on the 300 block of St. Katherine Drive in La Cañada Flintridge.

The incident began at around 8:45 p.m., when a 16-year-old boy stopped at a turnoff on the road to take some pictures of the view.

“All at once, several males and females approached him and asked him to take their picture with his camera, and they attempted to take his camera from him,” Bill Jaeger, watch commander for the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station, said on April 17.

According to a release issued Thursday by the station, the suspects were driving a silver or gray sedan, similar to a Toyota or Honda. Two females approached the young man and asked to have their pictures taken. Their images were caught on film and are now being used as part of the investigation.

After being approached by the two women, the victim tried to run to his car but was apprehended by two male suspects who hit him several times with their fists and, at one point, struck him with a revolver.

The male suspects are both described as Hispanic and having black hair, appearing to be about 25 years old, 5 feet 9 inches and weighing around 180 pounds. Both were wearing black jackets at the time of the incident, according to the release.

The young man managed to keep his camera throughout the scuffle and made it to his own car, fleeing the scene. The suspects initially pursued him but then sped away.

Anyone who may recognize the suspects from the photographs or the descriptions of the male assailants is encouraged to call the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station at (818) 248-3464 and ask for Det. Marcus Phillips.