PALO ALTO – An investigation is underway into the attempted strong-arm robbery of a man Sunday morning at the Palo Alto Transit Center, police said.
Around 3:35 a.m., the suspect rode up to the victim on a bicycle, demanded money and threatened to harm him, according to the Palo Alto Police Department. The victim, described by police as a man in his 60s, did not comply and instead shouted for help.
The suspect then rode away southbound through the transit center, police said.
The victim described the suspect as a Latino man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and 250 to 300 pounds. The suspect was last seen wearing a face covering, a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
The victim told police the same suspect had robbed him of cash about five months ago at a bus stop on Lawrence Expressway. The suspect at that time was armed with a knife, police said.
As part of their investigation, detectives are checking to see if there is any possible connection between the case and one reported to police on July 8 near Embarcadero Road and El Camino Real. In the earlier case, a 16-year-old girl was pushed off her bicycle and robbed of her cellphone. The suspect in that case, however, was described as a white man and about 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a black face covering, a black long-sleeved shirt and black pants.
Anyone with information related to the cases can contact police at 650-329-2413. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text 650-383-8984 or email paloalto@tipnow.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com