By Mary O’KEEFE

An Alhambra man has been arrested in connection with a robbery that occurred Nov. 30 in the 3000 block of Foothill Boulevard.

Armando Vidana, 30, walked into the Pasadena Courthouse on Feb. 21 after a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

“The judge remanded him and he is [being held] on a $325,000 bail,” said Det. Frank Diana, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Crescenta Valley Station.

Vidana is suspected of robbing a man at the Le Bon Patisserie [bakery] in La Crescenta.

On Nov. 30, Vidana allegedly entered the liquor store next to the bakery. He made a purchase at the store then entered the bakery and made another purchase. He went back to his vehicle and drove away, according to the sheriff’s report.

“He came back to the bakery and asked directions [to Silverlake],” Diana said.

“He sat in the driver’s seat and handed a pen and paper to a [bakery] employee.”

As the employee was writing the directions, Vidana allegedly grabbed the employee’s necklace and tore it from his neck.

“He drove off and the victim fell to the [ground],” Diana said.

A witness saw the incident unfold and followed the suspect’s vehicle, getting his license plate number and a description of the vehicle.

“We were able to identify the suspect,” Diana said.

Several witnesses to the robbery participated in a line-up. All identified Vidana as the man who stole the necklace. CV Sheriff’s detectives filed charges of robbery against Vidana, along with Los Angeles Police Department officers who also filed charges of robbery. LAPD Northeast Division believes Vidana committed a robbery in their area as well.

“Currently [Vidana] has five counts of robbery again him and there are other agencies looking into [his activity],” Diana said.

The necklace that was stolen was worth an estimated $4,000. Diana praised the witness for obtaining the license plate number and description.

  Mary Okeefe