A Mississippi man was arrested for robbery on Monday, September 15, at The Shoppes at Chino Hills after he reportedly brandished a knife and demanded a drink from a victim. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rashawn Lee, allegedly targeted a shopper who was simply enjoying her tea while weaving through the breezeway of the shopping center.
Late on that Monday afternoon, the frightening encounter unfolded just before 2 p.m. The victim who has chosen to remain confidential, was confronted by Lee. The suspect apparently dared to not only brandish a weapon but also to then demand that she hand over her refreshment. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department, in a statement of pure fright, she threw her tea at him and managed to quickly run away to safety and call the authorities.
The Chino Hills Station deputies responded promptly to the 911 call, detaining Lee shortly after the incident. Not long after being hauled in by the law, Lee was booked at West Valley Detention Center, facing robbery charges. Whether Lee was after the tea itself or something more remains undisclosed, but the event has surely stirred some unrest among the local shoppers.
Officials are calling for any witnesses or individuals with information on the crime to step forward. Inquiries are encouraged by the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Potential informants wishing to maintain anonymity have the option to reach out to the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or to leave information on the We-Tip website. As this situation continues to develop, the community is reminded to always stay vigilant and to report any suspicious activity swiftly to the authorities.
Anyone with further insights into the case or who might be able to provide additional details that could assist in the investigation has been advised to contact Deputy A. Brown, the official assigned to the case. No further statements have been released as of yet, but the Sheriff's Department's communication lines are open, ensuring that justice will swiftly be served. The case number is 222502385.
