Rat Bastard Mugger Caught in River Bed Near El Do

Hi!

As many of you remember there was a bike jacking back in November on the river bed by El Dorado Park. Well, a bike jacker struck again but, this time, with the help of an alert Mountain Biker, the assailant was caught. Herewith, is an email message from the cyclist who was attacked:


Friday June 6, 2008 I was jumped by a gang bang looking guy on the San Gabriel River bike trail, it was around 7:15pm with sun still up. I was on the East side going North in the underpass at Carson St. near El Dorado Park and the Long Beach TownCenter. It is narrow through there and he push me down as I road by him going around 18mph. I went down, hit my head but the helmet saved me big time. He got on top of me and went through my jersey pockets and took my wallet and punched me in the helmet a few times because I didn't have a cell phone. He got up and grabbed my Eddy Merckx so I got up and walked toward him, yelling at him to leave the bike and then a mountain biker coming South showed up and I yelled to him that I was mugged and my bike was being stolen. This great guy on the mountain bike staired him down and told him to leave the bike and he did!!! The mugger ran away North up the trail. More people showed up and we got a call to 911 with a cellphone. After being transfered 3 times, LA Sherrifs that work Lakewood area showed up and also a helicopter. With the help of other bikers, runners and walkers who showed up, the mugger was spotted in the area of the Lakewood Equestrian Center and he was caught!!! With statements made, my wallet was returned to me. My forehead is bruised from the helmet impact and my neck is pretty jacked but could have been much worse. All I can say is, if someone looks suspicious on the trail, better to play it safe.

In addition, here is an article in the LB Report:
http://www.lbreport.com/news/jun08/bikesgr.htm

Please, stay alert and on your guard out there!

-cjr-