UC Riverside student charged in three scooter robberies
Police linked an 18-year-old to a series of armed robberies near campus and an Islamic center in late October.
By Kevin Sanders ·
Shareef Pendergrass, 18, faces six counts of armed robbery after police connected him to three separate attacks near the University of California, Riverside, in late October.
The first incident was reported on Oct. 23 at 7:57 p.m. near the Islamic Center of Riverside on West Linden Street. A student walking between Mount Vernon and Cranford Avenues said a man on a scooter approached from behind and demanded money. The victim stated the suspect appeared to be holding a handgun. Police noted the student had no connection to the Islamic Center.
A second robbery took place later that same evening near the Stonehaven Apartments at Blaine Street and Canyon Crest Drive. Officers described the method as similar to the first attack. The third incident occurred on Oct. 24 at 7:07 p.m. at the University Crest Apartments at 3130 Canyon Crest Drive.
Riverside Police and UC Riverside Police conducted a joint investigation. Officers searched Pendergrass's residence and recovered evidence linking him to the crimes. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on Oct. 26.
His bail has been set at $280,000. The case remains open. Detective Stanley Hua of Riverside police can be reached at 951-353-7135. Detective Jonathan Estrada of UC Riverside police can be reached at 951-827-6197.
Source: KNBC
