Suspect Tried to Steal Phone from Bird Mascot on Street

Suspect Tried to Steal Phone from Bird Mascot on Street

FRESNO – A man tried to steal a cell phone from a man who was dressed in a large black bird costume advertising for a local business.

Lupe Rodriguez, Jr.

Lupe Rodriguez, Jr.

Police said that the costumed man was on South Cedar Avenue and East Kings Canyon Road in southeast Fresno around 6 p.m. attempting to promote a nearby business when the suspect approached him from behind and demanded his cell phone.

Phone is still in hand

Phone is still in hand

The suspect – later identified by police as Bulldog gang member Lupe Rodriguez Jr. – grabbed the wing of the victim’s costume and started shoving the victim in an attempt to steal his phone, according to authorities.

The costumed victim ran to a nearby business, but Rodriguez followed and continued to unsuccessfully demand that the victim hand over the phone. A video surveillance inside of the store led to Rodriguez’s arrest.

Police said that southeast Fresno has experienced 14 person robberies. Nine of those involved stealing cell phones.

Suspect Tried to Steal Phone from Bird Mascot on Street was last modified: September 30th, 2015 by admin
Categories: Fresno

About Author

Elizabeth Warmerdam

Beth Warmerdam is a freelance journalist based out of Reedley. She graduated from Fresno State in 2004 with a BA in print journalism and has worked for several newspapers and magazines. In addition to writing, Beth enjoys being a stay-at-home mom, trying to keep up with her 2-year-old son, Zachary.