Stockton Teen Takes Bite Out Of Crime, Would-Be Robber's Hand
STOCKTON (CBS13) — A brazen robbery attempt of two boys outside a busy Stockton shopping center has police asking for the public's help.
Investigators say the 14-year-old boys were followed by a man after getting off a bus near the Sherwood Mall on Monday afternoon.
It was the quick thinking and fast action by the two boys that made all the difference, and it started when one boy took a bite out of crime.
"That boy ended up biting the suspect in the hand and the other 14-year-old boy ran for help," said Stockton Police spokesman Joe Silva.
That reaction was enough to send a would-be robber running down Pacific Avenue.
"So far, there's no leads on the suspect but we do know that it occurred during daylight hours so someone probably saw something, so if someone can call the police department and give us a good description of the suspect we can give it to detectives," Silva said.
The teens had just hopped off the bus near the Sherwood Mall, and as they walked toward the Macy's, they noticed a black man following them.
"That suspect came up and grabbed one of the boys in a choke hold and demanded the boys' shoes and cellphone," he said.
While the teens are rattled, investigators say they're OK. But Silva warns people to be vigilant until the suspect is found.
"Go with a group of people and when you notice someone is looking at you differently or following you, we encourage you to alert a store employee," he said.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 16-17 years old, between 5'7" and 5'9" and weighing 130 to 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt; blue jeans; red shoes and black gloves with the fingers cut out.
