MONTEBELLO >> Police are seeking a man who slashed a teen’s hand with a knife during a robbery along Whittier Boulevard Saturday morning, officials said.
The teenage boy was walking at Whittier and Montebello boulevards about 10:40 a.m. when the robber approached, Montebello police Lt. Boris Zeissig said.
The robber brandished a knife and demanded property from the victim, ultimately fleeing with items including a cell phone, according to the lieutenant.
At some point during the robbery, the teen suffered a cut to his hand, he said.
A detailed suspect description was not available.
Detectives were looking into the possibility the crime was related to another knifepoint robbery reported just over an hour before and four miles away in Monterey Park, though a concrete link had not been established, authorities said.
In that case, a woman was walking alone in the 1900 block of South Atlantic Avenue when a man approached from behind, Monterey Park Lt. Tina Montoya said. He brandished a knife and robbed her of her cash, purse and cell phone.
Police described the Monterey Park robber as a Latino man in his early-30s, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with short black hair and wearing all black clothing.
Anyone with information can reach Montebello police at 323-887-1313, or Monterey Park police at 626-573-1311. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.