A 22-year-old mini-bike rider was facing a possible felony charge Friday for allegedly treating a Los Angeles area shopping plaza like his personal racetrack and nearly hitting a mall security officer who tried to stop him.
Torrance Police Department officers responded on Oct. 30 to a report of someone riding a gas-powered mini-bike inside the Del Amo Fashion Center at 3525 W. Carson St.
“When contacted by mall security personnel, the rider allegedly attempted to strike a security officer with the mini-bike, constituting an assault with a deadly weapon,” Torrance police Traffic and Special Events Division Commander Lt. Charles Fisher said.
Detectives reviewed security footage and collected evidence that identified Romio Dontee Michael as the suspect, Fisher said.
“Detectives ultimately authored and obtained an arrest warrant for Michael, as well as a search warrant for his residence,” the lieutenant said.
Officers served both warrants Wednesday in North Hollywood and took Michael into custody without incident, according to Fisher.
“The mini-bike involved in the (alleged) assault, along with additional evidence, was recovered during the search,” he said.
The case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for felony filing consideration.
Anyone with information about what happened urged to call the Torrance Police Department Traffic Division at 310-618-5557.