Riverside student faces six armed robbery charges after scooter attacks near campus
Police arrested an 18-year-old for three robberies targeting pedestrians and residents in the West Riverside area.
By Ahmed Peterson ·
Three robberies occurred in the West Riverside area over two days, prompting a joint investigation by local police and campus authorities.
Shareef Pendergrass, 18, was taken into custody on Monday, Oct. 26, following the arrests.
The first incident began at 7:57 p.m. on Oct. 23 near the Islamic Center of Riverside on West Linden Street. A UC Riverside student walking in the area was approached from behind by a suspect on a scooter who demanded money. The victim believed the suspect carried a handgun. Investigators confirmed the student did not attend the center.
A second robbery took place later that evening near Blaine Street and Canyon Crest Drive. Police described the circumstances as similar to the first event.
The third robbery happened at 7:07 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the University Crest Apartments at 3130 Canyon Crest Drive. All three crimes involved the same modus operandi, according to the Riverside Police Department.
Officers searched Pendergrass's residence after his arrest and found evidence connecting him to the offenses. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on six counts of armed robbery. His bail was set at $280,000.
The investigation continues. Detective Stanley Hua of the Riverside Police Department can be reached at 951-353-7135 or SHua@RiversideCA.gov. Detective Jonathan Estrada of UC Riverside Police can be reached at 951-827-6197 or Jonathan.Estrada@UCR.edu.
Source: KNBC
