(November 21, 2009) |
LA MESA, Calif.—
Two teenagers are in custody today on suspicion of
punching a 24-year-old man in the face numerous times, and attempting to hit
him with a shovel, for the two loaves of bread he was was carrying, police said
today.But a third suspect remains at large, said La Mesa police Lt. Matt Nicholass.
Eighteen-year-olds Ryan Epperson of Spring Valley and Gregory Rees of La Mesa were identified by the victim during a curbside line up and booked at
San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of robbery. Police continue to look for a third suspect, who also is an 18-year-old male, Nicholass said.
Around 8:50 p.m. Friday, the victim reported that he was assaulted and robbed of his bread near the intersection of Parks and University avenues, Nicholass said.
The victim just purchased two loaves of bread from Sam's Market and was walking on Parks Avenue when three male teens approached him and began cursing him, the lieutenant said.
One of the suspects punched the victim in the head. The victim tried to run away but was chased by the three boys, Nicholass said.
The suspects caught up with the victim and one of the boys punched the victim's face, he said. Another suspect grabbed a shovel nearby and attempted to jab it at the victim, but missed, according to Nicholass.
The three boys then took the two loaves of bread from the victim and the victim ran and called police.
Officers found two of the suspects walking less than a half-mile away in the 4200 block of Lowell Street. The victim identified Epperson and Rees and both boys were arrested, Nicholass said.
The victim did not seek medical treatment, the lieutenant said.
Investigators asked anyone with any information about the third suspect or the robbery to call La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.
