RESEDA : 2 Men Sought in High School Holdup

Calling it a new twist on a continuing problem of Rolex watch robberies, police said Wednesday they are looking for two men who robbed an assistant principal at Reseda High School of his watch and fired a shot that slightly injured a student as they fled.

Detective Robert Johansen said the robbery and shooting occurred at 2:40 p.m. Monday, shortly before classes ended for the day. The two had visited the school last week, identifying themselves as a counselor and student who was considering a transfer to Reseda High, Johansen said. Assistant Principal Dimitri Vadetsky recognized the men and invited them into his office.

Once inside the office, the robbers held up Vadetsky at gunpoint and took his watch and wallet, the detective said. As they fled, one man turned and fired at least one shot at a security officer. The gunman missed, but a student was struck by a chip of concrete sent flying by the bullet. She was not seriously hurt.

In the last two years, owners of expensive Rolex watches have been favorite targets of robbers in the San Fernando Valley and elsewhere, but Johansen said he had never heard of robbers going into a school to commit the crime.

Johansen said Rolex watches are popular targets with thieves because they can get as much as $3,000 apiece for them.