Police Alert Public to Be Vigilant, as Aggressive Would-Be Robber Attacks Two from Behind

Pasadena police are alerting the public about possibly linked attacks that occurred within hours of each other yesterday in which a man attacked people walking on sidewalks from behind, without warning or provocation.

In both cases, the victims suffered head and face wounds.

Pasadena police Lt. Pete Hettema said the first incident happened at about 6 p.m. in the 200 block of Holly Street in Pasadena.

“Officers responded to a report of a robbery and assault,” Hettema said. “Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was asking for money and approached the victim from behind. Without provocation, the suspect struck the victim in the back of the head, knocking the victim to the ground face first. The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition.”

Hettema said the victim, an 84-year-old Pasadena man, suffered lacerations and swelling on the face but did not loss any property in the attack.

The suspect, described as male, black, in his 30s and between 5’2” or 5’3” in height, fled on foot eastbound on Holly Street, Hettema said. Officers were unable to locate him in the area.

The second incident happened at about 10:40 p.m. at Sierra Madre Blvd. near Colorado Blvd. Hettema said the victim, a 45-year-old Pasadena resident, was walking on the west sidewalk on Sierra Madre when he was attacked also from behind.

“The suspect punched the victim at the back of his head and lower lip,” Hettema said. “The victim was holding a cellphone when he was attacked. He fell to his knees but quickly stood up and ran from the suspect. He ran home and subsequently drove to Huntington Memorial Hospital for treatment before he called us.”

The second victim was treated for a cut on the lip and contusions. He described the suspect as male, black, in his 30s, dark complexion and wearing a dark colored shirt.

Hettema said the incidents – and the suspect descriptions in both cases – sounded very similar and might be related.

Hettema alerted residents to be especially careful and aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with information about the suspects in both incidents is advised to contact the Pasadena Police Department, at (626) 744-4501.