Man assaulted, robbed for $1.50 in pocket change

AIRWAY HEIGHTS — Thieves who assaulted a man on Monday, Dec. 30, came up short after the victim was only able to produce a $1.50.

The assailants may not be living free much longer, according to police officials.

“We’ve gotten quite a few tips and have some a pretty solid leads,” Officer Erin Johnson said on Friday afternoon. “Detectives will be following-up as soon as they can.”

According to Johnson, the victim had just gotten off a bus on the 1200 block of South Hayford Road near Walmart at about 6:30 p.m. in the falling snow when a man approached him and demanded money.

When the victim refused the man began punching him in the face and eventually wrestled him to the ground, where he tried to take the victim’s cell phone.

A second man the victim initially thought was a Good Samaritan coming to his aid later joined the assailant in the assault and robbery.

One of the assailants told the victim they wanted $1 million dollars.

The victim was a few dollars short, however. He eventually agreed to give the thief all his money, reaching into his pocket and producing what he estimated to be $1.50 in loose change, according to Johnson.

The thief asked if that was all he had.

“He said, ‘yeah, if I had more do you think I’d be walking home? I’d be driving,’” Johnson said, quoting the victim.

The assailant also took and broke the victim’s glasses, she said.

If assault, robbery and malicious mischief weren’t enough, the assailant then refused to leave until the victim shook his hand, according to Johnson.

The victim dialed 911 but refused transport to the hospital after medics provided immediate aid.

“He’s just bruised and sore,” she said.

Johnson said such robberies are rare in the city.

“Hopefully when we arrest him, we’ll get more answers,” she said. “We’re pretty sure we know who they are.”

People who may have witnessed the assault or have other information are encouraged to contact Johnson at 509-934-1319 or via email at [email protected], and reference case #2019-84009214.

Lee Hughes can be reached at [email protected].