Police Release Suspect's Photo in Robbery, Throat Slashing of Clerk

The man who allegedly slashed the throat of an employee after handcuffing him and who then stole cash from the business can be seen in photos released by the Manhattan Beach Police Department Friday.

MBPD is asking for the public's help in identifying the man, who is described as a black male in his early 20s and 5 feet 8 inches to 6 feet tall with a light moustache, white dress shirt, black tie, jeans and dark dress shoes.

The robbery took place at The Cigar and Smoke Shop, 1751 Artesia Blvd., which is located in a small strip mall at the corner of Artesia and Aviation boulevards in Manhattan Beach at the Redondo Beach border.

The suspect entered the store with a large, odd-shaped cardboard box from which he produced a shotgun, according to MBPD detectives.

The man pointed the shotgun at the store employee, demanded money and then directed him to the back of the store, where he placed the employee into handcuffs, according to MBPD.

The suspect then slashed the employee's throat and took money from the register, police said.

The employee, who was noticed by nearby Verizon store staff when he walked out of the smoke shop handcuffed and bleeding, underwent surgery for throat lacerations at Harbor UCLA Medical Center and was reported in stable condition.

Anyone with information about this crime should contact MBPD Detective Michael Rosenberger at 310-802-5127.

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