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Manhattan Beach Police Identify Man Suspected In Smoke Shop Robbery

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Police say they have identified a man suspected of violently attacking a clerk during a robbery at a Manhattan Beach smoke shop.

The incident, which was captured on tape, occurred around 4 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Security footage shows the suspect in a button-down shirt and tie walking into the Cigar and Smoke Shop on Artesia Boulevard with his hands inside a long and narrow cardboard box and talking to the clerk.

Within seconds, the suspect can be seen pulling a gun out of a cardboard box and demanding money from the employee, police said.

Tyler Rodgers
Prior booking photo of 18-year-old Tyler Rodgers. He is suspected of robbing a smoke shop in Manhattan Beach on Aug. 16. (credit: Manhattan Beach Police Department)

According to police, the robber then handcuffed the victim in the backroom, took a cash box and allegedly slashed the clerk's throat.

The victim was taken to a local hospital where he underwent surgery. He has since been listed in stable condition.

A statement issued by Manhattan Beach police on Sunday identified the suspect as 18-year-old Tyler Rodgers. According to authorities, Rodgers is currently on probation for robbery.

Anyone with more information about this case is asked to contact the Manhattan Beach Police Department.

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