Switchblade-Wielding Bandit Steals $400 Shoes From Pasadena Store

A man walked out of a Pasadena Nordstrom Rack store with a stolen pair of $400 shoes on his feet, then brandished a switchblade knife at a security guard who tried to stop him on Tuesday night, police said.

The robber remained at large following the crime, which unfolded about 8 p.m at the store at Foothill Boulevard and Sierra Madre Villa Avenue, Pasadena police Lt. Sean Dawkins said.

Loss prevention officers noticed a man placing items from the store inside a backpack and approached him, he said.

The shopper placed the items down and walked over to the shoe department, where he put on a $400 pair of footwear, according to the lieutenant. He then argued with employees about “being followed” as he left the store without paying for the shoes.

When a security guard confronted him, the man brandished a switchblade knife, causing the guard to back off, and continued on his way, Dawkins said.

Police described the robber as an Asian man in his 20s, about 5 feet 7 inches tall and of thin build, with a light complexion. He wore a black-rimmed hat, a black hooded sweatshirt and gray or light blue tight-fitted jeans.

Anyone with information can reach the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4501. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.