PASADENA >> A Pasadena man used a lamp to fight off two would-be armed robbers, who then crashed their getaway car while fleeing the scene and ran on Thursday afternoon, police said.
The incident unfolded about 3 p.m., Pasadena police Lt. John Luna said.
A man in his 20s was standing in a driveway in the 1000 block of North Michigan Avenue when two suspects approached in a car and stopped in the street, he said.
Both suspects got out of the car. One of them brandished a knife “in a threatening manner” and demanded the victim empty his pockets.
The victim picked up a lamp that happened to be nearby and used it to defend himself, Luna said.
The robbers punched him in the face during the fight that ensued before fleeing empty handed.
Luna said the robbers got back into their car and sped off, but collided into another car being driven by a woman at Michigan Avenue and Mountain Street, Luna said. They abandoned their car and continued fleeing on foot. They were not found, though police seized the car as evidence.
The victim of the robbery attempt suffered cuts to his face but declined medical treatment, Luna said. The woman driving the car struck by the suspects was no hurt.
Detailed suspect descriptions were not available.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Pasadena police at 626-744-4241. Tips may also be submitted anonymously online to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.