Police Use Pizza, Granola Bar To Lure Robbery Suspect From Lake

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police arrested a man suspected Tuesday in a street robbery after he apparently ran into a lake and refused to exit.

The incident unfolded after officer responded to a report of a woman whose purse and cellphone had been taken, according to LAPD Sgt. Lopez.

When officers arrived, they identified the suspect, who they say fled into Hollenbeck Park and then ran into a lake.

Police concerned the man would suffer hypothermia attempted to talk him out of the lake.

When that didn't work, they offered him food, including a pizza slice and a granola bar.

A dive team with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the scene and jumped into the lake and detained the suspect, the sergeant said.

Police said they anticipate that the man, who they believe suffers from mental illness, will be charged with robbery.