Crime & Safety

Maryland Ave. Elementary Locked Down After Attempted Armed Robbery in Area

Man pointed a large caliber semi-automatic pistol at victim and demanded her wallet.

La Mesa police are searching for a man suspected of trying to rob pedestrians Friday afternoon in west La Mesa.

At about 3:06 p.m., the LMPD received a report of an attempted robbery that occurred in the 5300 block of Maryland Avenue, police said. The victim had just parked a vehicle and was approached by a male, wearing a mask.

The man pointed a large caliber semi-automatic pistol at the victim and demanded her wallet. The victim did not have a wallet and the man ran off eastbound on Maryland Avenue. The victim was not injured.

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Maryland Avenue Elementary School was placed on lockdown for about 30 minutes while officers searched the area. Classes had ended but after-school activities were taking place, police said.

A thorough search of the area by police and ASTREA helicopter was completed, but the gunman was not found.

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The gunman was described as an unknown race male adult, wearing a hard plastic mask covering his face, about 6-feet tall and thin, wearing a light grey colored hoodie with the hood pulled up covering his hair and gloves. The weapon was described as a large caliber semi-automatic pistol. 

The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information is urged to call the La Mesa Police Department at (619) 667-1400.

You may also call Crime Stoppers’ anonymous toll-free tip line (888) 580-TIPS (or www.sdcrimestoppers.com).  You can remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in this case.


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