Chihuahua thwarts robbery at Altadena smoke shop
Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials Monday released a video of a robbery attempt foiled by an enraged and barking Chihuahua, hoping the public can identify the two assailants.
The attempted robbery took place July 7 about 7:30 p.m. at Ace Smoke Shop on North Lake Avenue in Altadena. The video shows two hooded men, one armed with a rifle, running into the store and demanding money.
The store owner quickly begins placing money in a robber’s backpack. As he does, his Chihuahua erupts into ferocious barking at the two men, who beat a hasty retreat, running out of the store with the backpack but taking less money than they could've gotten.
At one point, one of the robbers even points his rifle at the diminutive but undaunted pooch, who chases the pair out of the store and down the street.
Neither the owner nor the dog was injured in the incident.
The suspects are described at male Latinos between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches. One wore a black hooded sweatshirt, white shorts, black shoes and a red bandanna, and carried a black and gray backpack. The other wore a black jacket with yellow trim, dark shirt and pants, and a black ski mask, and was armed with a rifle.
Anyone with information about the robbery is asked to contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department detectives at (626) 296-2114 or (626) 798-1131 . The public may also provide information anonymously by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus the tip to CRIMES (274637), or at the website lacrimestoppers.org
