Man Robbed While Buying Movie Tickets at Grossmont Center

La Mesa police were on the lookout Wednesday for a large man who robbed a 23-year-old man while he was purchasing a movie ticket at Grossmont Center.

The robbery at 5500 Grossmont Center Drive occurred about 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to a La Mesa police statement.

The thief walked up behind the victim and demanded he hand over his shoulder bag, police said. When the victim refused, the thief grabbed the bag and ran off through a parking lot.

The victim ran after the thief, who had thrown down the bag when he realized there was nothing of value in it, police said, noting the thief then noticed the victim was carrying a $20 bill in his hand and took it.

The thief simulated having a gun by holding his hand in his sweatshirt pocket as he took the $20, according to police.

Police were looking for a black man in his late 20s to early 30s, around 6 feet 2 and 250 pounds. The bald man wore a dark blue or black hooded sweatshirt with a white logo on the front and black shorts, police said.

Anyone with information about the thief, who fled on foot, is asked to call La Mesa police at (619) 667-1400.

– City News Service