Apologetic Armed Robber And Victim Make Plans To Stay In Touch

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — It had all the makings of an awkward car ride — the gunman was driving his victim to an ATM machine in Manhattan Beach to withdraw cash — but the robber was apologetic, and after giving his victim a ride back, the two made plans to reconnect.

The pair met at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday night when the victim was taking a late-night stroll in the 300 block of Rosecrans Avenue. The victim was approached from behind by a man who brandished a silver handgun, police said.

According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department, the victim told the armed robber that he had no cash, only his phone and an ATM card. The apologetic robber and the victim decided to take a quick trip to a nearby ATM machine to withdraw some cash, MBPD said.

After the detour, the suspect drove the victim back to where they met and let him out of the car, keeping the cash and the other man's cell phone. The victim provided his robber with his Instagram handle so they could stay in touch, authorities said.

"The suspect was apologetic to the victim and told the victim he had 'bills to pay' and would return his cell phone to him tomorrow," MBPD said in a statement

The suspect drove off in an unknown direction in his four-door, dark-colored sedan after the drop-off, police said.

He was described as a Black man in his 20s who is approximately 5 feet and 8 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. According to the victim, the suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a red design on the front and a black beanie.

Anyone who may have additional information about the incident was urged to contact MBPD Detective Seth Hartnell at 310-802-5127.