Watch CBS News

Calaveras Deputies Arrest Man Accused Of Trying To Rob Group Of Kids At Knifepoint

MURPHYS (CBS13) – Calaveras County deputies arrested a man accused of trying to rob a group of young children at knifepoint, authorities said on Thursday.

Steven Mathew Pitsford, 22, of West Point, was booked into the county jail where he faces felony charges of attempted robbery and willful cruelty to a child along with misdemeanor charges of exhibiting a deadly weapon and battery.

According to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office, Pitsford harassed a group of kids – between the ages of 10 and 12 – at Murphys Park in Murphys on Wednesday afternoon.

He allegedly showed a knife and demanded money. Investigators said the children said they didn't have any money and walked away to tell their parents of the situation.

Deputies responded to the area and located Pitsford a short while later near the park's gazebo. He was taken into custody without incident.

Pitsford is being held in the Calaveras County Jail with bail set at $75,000.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.