THOUSAND OAKS : Man, 29, Charged in Robbery, Assault

A 29-year-old Thousand Oaks man who allegedly robbed a pedestrian and then tried to rob a motorist was arrested Saturday morning, authorities said.

Ali Razavi, 31, of Thousand Oaks was walking in the 600 block of Westlake Boulevard at 7:12 a.m. when he was pushed from behind by the suspect, Arthur Kirk Stearns, said Ventura County Sheriff’s Lt. Richard Diaz.

Razavi turned around and Stearns demanded money, threatening the victim with a chunk of asphalt in one hand, Diaz said.

After Razavi refused, he was punched in the face by the suspect, Diaz said. Razavi then gave Stearns the contents of the wallet, about $400, Diaz said.

Stearns ran across Westlake Boulevard and flagged down a motorist, Diaz said. After getting into the car, Stearns allegedly tried to rob the driver, who did not have any money, Diaz said.

Stearns then got out of the car at Triunfo Canyon Road and Westlake Boulevard and was seen by a passing deputy, Diaz said.

The deputy, who recognized Stearns from a description given by Razavi when he reported the robbery, chased Stearns on foot, Diaz said. After a short chase through several back yards, Stearns was arrested. He is being held at County Jail, Diaz said. Bail is set at $30,500.