Man, 60, Beat And Attempted To Rob High School Student In Palo Alto: Police

PALO ALTO, CA — A 60-year-old man was arrested Wednesday after police said he attempted to rob a high school student at a bus depot in Palo Alto, injuring the teen, according to the Palo Alto Police Department.

Officers responded about 7 a.m., Wednesday, to the bus platform at 95 University Avenue after a juvenile male reported an attempted robbery.

Police located the suspect, who was identified as Roderick Henry Perkins of East Palo Alto. He reportedly fled on foot and ignored commands to stop, authorities said.

An officer caught up to Perkins, who allegedly took a fighting stance and challenged the officer to fight, leading the officer to deploy a TASER and took the suspect into custody.

Investigators said the teen was sitting at the depot looking at his cellphone when the suspect approached and demanded the device. When the teen refused, the suspect allegedly placed a blanket over the victim's head and punched him.

The teen was able to free himself and call the police. He was treated at the scene for minor head pain, police said.

Perkins was taken to a hospital for medical clearance and later booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of attempted robbery and child abuse, both felonies, as well as providing false information to police and resisting arrest, misdemeanors.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Palo Alto police dispatch at (650) 329-2413 or submit anonymous tips through the TipNow-Palo Alto app.

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