Robbery Suspect Armed with Butcher’s Knife Sought by Police

A man armed with a butcher’s knife attempted to rob a Cricket Wireless store on University Avenue Saturday evening but left empty handed after an employee fled the store, according to La Mesa police.

The suspect entered the store on 7014 University Avenue around 6:20 p.m. with his face concealed by a black scarf wrapped around his head, walked behind the counter and demanded cash from an employee. He brandished a weapon that was described by police as a foot-long butcher’s knife.

The employee ran from the store, and the suspect did as well, last seen running southbound across University Avenue, police said.

The suspect was described as an Hispanic male, 20-30 years old, around 5 feet 7 inches tall, approximately 180 pounds, wearing a red sweater, beige or light khaki pants and a brown baseball hat.

No loss was reported and the employee was not injured.

The Le Mesa Police Department is asking anyone with information to call (619) 667-1400.