With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Cell Phone Robber Punches Cal Poly Students, Flees
Two students at Cal Poly Pomona reportedly had their cell phones stolen on two separate occasions after a guy walked up to them, punched them in the face and ran. According to the school's website, the first incident happened on April 30. A young white man approached a student who was walking across a field on campus and asked to use his phone. When the student handed it over, the suspect punched him and fled.
Then on May 3, a student walking through an on-campus parking lot towards a bus stop was approached by a man who meets the same description. The man simply asked to see the student's phone, then proceeded to hit him and take off.
The suspect is described as in his 20s, about 5-foot-9, with a thin build and blond hair. KTLA reports that officials don't think he's a student at the school.
Anyone with information is being asked to call the University Police Department at (909) 869-3113.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

-
Heavy rain from the early-season storm could trigger debris flows. Snow is also possible above 7,000 feet.
-
Jet Propulsion Laboratory leadership announces that 11% of the workforce is being cut.
-
The rock legend joins LAist for a lookback on his career — and the next chapter of his music.
-
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain.
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember.
-
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care.