Would-Be Robber Arrested on Dallas Street After Rooftop Negotiations

Police arrested a man after talking him down from a rooftop Christmas Eve, but the suspect was no Santa Claus.

Walter Barrios, 22, of  La Mesa faces charges of attempted robbery and brandishing a knife at a 15-year-old boy and his father in the 8500 block of Dallas Street in north La Mesa, according to authorities.

Police responded to a report of a robbery at 6 p.m., said Sgt. Bret Richards.

“Officers arriving at the scene were flagged down by the 15-year-old male victim and his father,” Richards said.  “The victim told officers he was riding his skateboard on the sidewalk when he was confronted by the suspect, who was holding a large hunting knife.”

The man pointed the knife at the teen and demanded property, Richards said, but the teen refused to give up his property and after a few moments the assailant gave up his robbery. 

The boy returned home and told his father and brother about the robbery attempt, Richards said. 

“The victim’s father and brother went to confront the suspect at ... Dallas St.,” he said.  “They were greeted at the door by the suspect, who was now armed with a small pocket knife.  After being confronted with the knife, the victim’s father and brother left the house and called the police for assistance.”

During a police investigation, the suspect was found in the back yard of 8526 Dallas.  The suspect ran from officers and was eventually cornered on a neighbor’s rooftop, Richards said. 

“After several minutes of negotiation, the suspect came down from the roof and was taken into custody without further incident,” he said.  “The victim was not injured.”

Barrios is being held on $100,000 bail and is set for arraignment at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in El Cajon Superior Court, according to jail records.