Robbery/ kidnapping location
LANCASTER – A man, who allegedly robbed a teenager of 14 cents and was forcing the teenager at gunpoint to another location, saw his plans thwarted when alert neighbors intervened.
Christopher Brown was arrested Saturday night and faces several felony charges, including kidnapping, robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
The following is the press report from the Lancaster Station:
Several alert Raysack Avenue residents came to the aid of one of their neighbors Saturday evening.
It all began when the 17-year-old victim was approached by the suspect while walking his dog in the area of 5th Street East and Avenue J.
The suspect (Christopher Brown, Male, Black, 19) confronted the victim and robbed him at gun point.
After the victim handed over his cell phone and all of his cash (14 Cents), Brown demanded more money and forced the victim, at gun point, to take him to his (the victim’s) home.
As the victim and Brown walked toward the victim’s home, located on Raysack Avenue, several of the victim’s neighbors saw the pair and felt that something was wrong. As they ran to the victim’s aide, Brown turned and ran away.
As he ran, he fired his weapon several times in the direction of the neighbors.
Lancaster Station received several calls regarding the incident and dispatch several units to the area. The first deputy on scene put out a radio broadcast to responding units advising them of the suspect’s description.
Moments later, Brown was located and taken into custody near the intersection of 5th Street East and Avenue J. During a search of Brown, deputies recovered the victim’s stolen property. Other assisting units located Brown’s gun in the rear yard of a nearby home.
During the investigation, deputies determined that no one was injured as a result of the gunfire.
Brown was booked at Lancaster Station Jail and faces several Felony charges including Kidnapping, Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon. His bail was set at $100,000.
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Generally, 19-year-olds are preparing themselves for college or trade school, or at least thinking about fulfilling their dreams – dreams normal young people have about attaining meaningful, honest careers, living prosperous, successful lives, and, perhaps, raising a family.
Not Mr. Brown. He thought he had a better idea.
Now he’ll likely be dreaming about “getting out” and attaining “parolee status” in a few or a couple decades.
While in prison, it’s also likely that Mr. Brown will be strongly advocating for a Lancaster or LA County “re-entry” program that benefits and uplifts confused, misguided fellas like him – hoping, if not dreaming, that it will be ready and waiting for him when he eventually “gets out”.
After all, criminals-turned-inmates deserve to have dreams, too.
Male Black…..AGAIN!!
@ Tired Of Their Ways… The alert residents should be recognized for being courageous citizens in coming to the aid of their 17 year old neighbor whom I’m sure was traumatized by this individual and luckily no one was injured when this foolish criminal discharged his gun.
It is neighborhood residents like you who are the “eyes and ears” of the police and further demonstrating cooperation between residents and city agencies that exist to serve. Furthermore, setting an example that citizens, neighborhoods and law enforcement can effectively work together for the betterment of public safety. Not only that, but you have prevented other citizens from being victims of this individual by getting him off the street. This 19 year old criminal has now sealed his fate with serious and violent charges that will put him away in prison for a very long time, including sentencing enhancements for the gun and discharging it in the commission of the crime.
It is my hope that the City of Lancaster Mayor and City Council will present all of you with the Neighborhood Courage Award. You are hero’s of your neighborhood and an asset to the City of Lancaster and set a fine example of strengthening the partnership between the community and the Lancaster Sheriffs Station. Citizen awareness is a key component in the toolbelt of fighting crime.
As a concerned citizen, I propose that the LASD-Lancaster Community Advisory Committee investigates the possibility of implimenting the “COP” (Cellular on Patrol)Program. This is an evidence based program that has proven to be successful in San Antonio, Texas and the success stories are numerous. Just another effective tool in the toolbelt to promote public safety and create effective neighborhood partnerships.
I like this COP (Cellular on Patrol) concept. It would be a great tool for the Neighborhood Watch Program members. Link to San Antonio COP program:
http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/cop2.asp
Christopher Brown, Male, Black, 19
Seriously, 19 year old involved in this sort of crime, something is very wrong that a person this young would resort to this sort of crime. Family values, baby moma’s raising children on their own, what the hell is wrong with a segment of the AV and what can be done besides more government handouts?
Yessss! It’s great to see that neighbors are continuing to stand up to knuckleheads that think that they can terrorize and do as they please in our neighborhoods.
Yes!!! ….Great job!! Now, if they could just get that fool who rides the ATV up and down the street at full speed with kids on the back and no helmets, every night…that would be a good thing!! We have been calling about that for some time..no help so far!!
I agree! We have one here on our block too… Not too far away… We went out one time when a boy no Older than 7 lost control and hit a neighbors car… We went out to see if he was okay (no helmet or seatbelt) and the dad comes out yelling and threatening us!!! Telling us to mind our own business… Cops came out because of the altercation… And pretty much told us to get over it… The next day the same family wiped out again! They won’t learn until someone loses a limb!
Yes, that’s true, and we’re the ones having to wash the blood off our driveways when this happens.
Waste of water!!
The cops need to stop it now..
Since you are having difficulty in getting a deputy dispatched in regards to this situation, my suggestion is the next time this occurs call the non-emergency number and ask to be connected to the Watch Commander or Watch Sergeant as they are the ones in charge of that shift. I bet you get a deputy dispatched with their help.
Also, take a proactive approach and check out the COP (Cellular on Patrol)Program at http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/cop2.asp
14 cents?
Maybe you folks should buy your own Spike Strip?
Try police supply stores.
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Good looking out neighbors.
HA HA ITS CALLED SARCASM
ANOTHER FINE CITIZEN IF YOU ASK ME, I HOPE THIS POOR VICTIM OF INCORRECT ABUSE BY THE POLICE IS SOON FREE AGAIN AS I KNOW IN MY HEART JE IS A GOOD GOD FEARING CITIZEN OF THE ANTELOPE VALLEY
Good? God fearing? Are you saying that the article and police report did not contain fact? Or do you think that he is good despite these things and that the police were wrong to do their jobs and arrest a criminal?!
Yes he is a god fearing man, because god eventualy uses one of his flock to smite people like this guy… To bad the neighbors were civilized, would have been great if they took his gun and shot him…
I don’t get the $100,000 bail part! This guy didn’t know if this teens parents were home…and the kidnapping, robbing and
FIRING his weapon at neighbors…$100,000…are you kidding me?
Thumbs up Raysack neighbors!!!!!!
@ Julie… Understanding bail schedules is a little complex and sometimes you wonder if the bail amount is proportionate to the crime. All counties have their own bail schedules that set forth the amount on each type of crime. I linked on the LA County Bail Schedules for felonies, misdemeanors and infractions to possibly help you.
This individual is looking at some serious time as all his charges are of serious or violent and can be striked for them. Be rest assurred that this man will be doing 85% of whatever sentence is imposed.
Even when accussed of the most serious crimes, defendants are almost offered incentives (plea bargains) to plead guilty or no contest to avoid trials where their sentence would be harsher. Hope this information helps.
http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/bail/pdf/felony.pdf
http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/bail/pdf/misd.pdf